Traders move IHC for contempt of court over PTI's protest violation

IHC to hear petition today, seeking action to ensure future protests follow court orders without disruptions

In a fresh development following violent clashes between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters and law enforcement agencies, the traders' community in Islamabad has approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking contempt of court proceedings against PTI for violating the court’s order.

The IHC had ruled on November 21 that PTI's planned "do-or-die" protest was unlawful, instructing the federal government to prevent the former ruling party from staging its demonstration in the federal capital. 

The petition was filed by traders concerned about the disruption to daily life and business activities caused by such protests, particularly in Islamabad’s commercial areas.

In a five-page verdict, Chief Justice Aamer Farooq stated the severe disruption that political protests often cause in the capital. The court’s decision followed a petition filed by traders who argued that protests in the city halt normal life, hurting businesses and causing inconvenience to residents.

In their petition, traders from the Jinnah Super Market area (Sector F-7) requested that the IHC initiate contempt proceedings against PTI for breaching the court's order and causing significant disruptions.

They argued that the protest not only led to clashes but also negatively affected businesses, forcing many to shut down.

The petitioners have named the Secretary of the Interior Ministry, along with other relevant authorities, as respondents in the case.

The IHC is set to take up the matter on Thursday, and traders are seeking strict action to ensure that future protests are conducted in accordance with court orders, without causing disruption to the public.

Despite the IHC ruling, PTI went ahead with its protest, which escalated into violent clashes with security forces.

At least five security personnel, including three Rangers personnel, were martyred in the violence, while PTI claimed that at least eight of its supporters were killed. The protest was ultimately called off after a midnight crackdown by law enforcement agencies.