IHC orders Islamabad administration to engage with PTI amid protest call

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has mandated the administration in the federal capital to consult with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) within two hours concerning their request to hold a protest in Islamabad today.

Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz presided over the hearing of a petition filed by Aamir Mughal, seeking approval for PTI’s protest. Shoaib Shaheen represented the petitioner, while State Counsel Malik Abdul Rehman appeared for the district administration.

The court ordered that the decision be communicated by the afternoon following the consultation.

Read IHC orders permanent fix for PTI rally conundrum

State Counsel informed the court that PTI's request had been received and an order was issued. Justice Imtiaz noted the potential presence of another protest in Islamabad, which the State Counsel denied knowledge of. The administration rejected all protest requests within Islamabad citing public safety concerns.

Shoaib Shaheen argued that PTI’s initial NOC for a rally was revoked and that they are constitutionally entitled to peaceful protests outside the National Press Club. He referenced a high court decision supporting this right.

The State Counsel countered that no order under Section 144 permits such gatherings, prompting the judge to question if the law prohibits large public gatherings outside the Press Club.

Shaheen proposed F-9 Park as an alternative if the Press Club location is not permitted. The court then paused the hearing, directing the administration to consult and provide a decision by 12:30 PM on PTI’s protest request.

PTI cancelled July 6 rally

Earlier this month, PTI cancelled its rally on July 6, planned for Tarnol Chowk in Islamabad after getting embroiled in a legal dispute with local authorities over the revocation of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) that was garnted earlier to party.

PTI leader Omar Ayub criticised the Islamabad administration, stating, "The administration had initially granted permission for today's rally, but police sealed the area overnight. The DC Islamabad had signed the orders; were they under the influence when they granted the permission?"

He maintained that despite court orders, rally equipment was removed late at night.

"The Tarnol site was provided by the administration themselves. They revoked the NOC out of fear of PTI workers. Two brothers of Azhar Mashwani were detained. We will question the budget allocation for these operations compared to that for schools," Ayub stated.