IHC seeks affidavits on non-use of state machinery for PTI Sept 27 protest

Directs K-P chief secretary, IG to submit affidavits confirming state resources won't be used for political gatherings

The Islamabad High Court (IHC), hearing a case against the PTI’s September 27 protest, on Saturday sought affidavits from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary and inspector general of police after the former assured the court that government machinery or resources would not be used for any political gathering.

The court directed both officials to submit affidavits confirming that government machinery and resources would not be used for political gatherings.

The larger bench also sought arguments from the Islamabad advocate general and prosecutor general at the next hearing.

Read: Tariq Fazal warns PTI of ‘other options’ if Sept 27 march goes ahead

A two-page written order was issued by the bench comprising Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, Justice Azam Khan and Justice Muhammad Asif.

According to the order, the advocates general of K-P, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan had completed their arguments. The court noted that the KP secretary had given an undertaking that government machinery or resources would not be used for any political gathering.

The court subsequently directed the K-P chief secretary and inspector general of police to submit affidavits to this effect at the next hearing.

The case will be heard on Monday at 10am. 

The court clarified that the chief secretaries and inspectors general of police of the provinces were not required to appear in person.