IHC orders permanent fix for PTI rally conundrum

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the district administration of the federal capital to find a permanent solution in consultation with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership regarding the suspension of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for PTI’s public meeting in Islamabad.

During the hearing of a petition filed by PTI’s Amir Mughal, Chief Justice Aamer Farooq noted the inconsistency between the deputy commissioner granting permission for the political gathering and the Chief Commissioner suspending it. He questioned, “What do you want to do?”

The acting deputy commissioner clarified that the Chief Commissioner had not cancelled the NOC but suspended it, citing the holy month of Muharram, after which the public meeting might be allowed.

PTI lawyer Shoaib Shaheen argued, “We should be allowed to hold a public meeting on July 27.” The acting deputy commissioner suggested that the hearing be held on July 19, upon the deputy commissioner’s return.

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq responded, “He is your senior, not mine. I do not want your proposal. Consult with the PTI people and find a permanent solution to this issue. If 40,000 to 45,000 people come to the meeting, nothing will happen. If someone makes a wrong speech and there is a violation of the NOC, you can hold him responsible.”

The hearing was adjourned until July 15.