IHC directs authorities to designate protest area for PTI amid security concerns

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered local authorities to allocate a specific area for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold its demonstrations while simultaneously prohibiting any unlawful protests that could lead to disruptions or a lockdown in the federal capital during the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

The directive was issued by IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq through a three-page ruling on Saturday, following a petition from Raja Hassan Akhtar, President of the Traders Welfare Association. Akhtar requested judicial intervention to halt PTI's planned protests in Islamabad.

With the law and order situation in the capital remaining tense, the PTI attempted to stage a protest at D-Chowk despite the imposition of Section 144, which restricts political activities and gatherings. This measure has been taken to maintain security ahead of the SCO meeting.

Clashes erupted between law enforcement and PTI supporters, with both sides accusing one another of initiating attacks. Police responded by deploying tear gas against the demonstrators, who retaliated using slingshots against the authorities.

The protests, which began in Islamabad, significantly affected daily life due to road blockages, confrontations between police and protesters, and the suspension of metro services.

In his ruling, Justice Farooq emphasised that the rights to assembly and movement are guaranteed to citizens under Articles 16 and 17 of the Constitution. He highlighted the responsibility of the Ministry of Interior and the Islamabad administration in maintaining public order.

However, he noted that these rights can be subject to reasonable restrictions aimed at serving legitimate public interests. The court called for authorities to uphold principles of proportionality and legitimacy in managing public gatherings, avoiding excessive restrictions that could infringe on citizens' rights.

The IHC instructed the government and the Islamabad administration to ensure safety and public order while allowing PTI to assemble in a designated area for their protest, in accordance with the provisions of the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024.