The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has instructed the federal capital administration to consult with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) within two hours regarding 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 directed that a decision be communicated by the afternoon following the consultation. The State Counsel informed the court that PTI’s request had been received and an order was issued. Justice Imtiaz mentioned the possibility of another protest in Islamabad, which the State Counsel claimed no knowledge of. The administration had previously rejected all protest requests in Islamabad due to public safety concerns.
Shoaib Shaheen argued that PTI’s initial No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a rally was revoked and that the party is constitutionally entitled to peaceful protests outside the National Press Club, referencing a high court decision supporting this right.
The State Counsel countered that no order under Section 144 allows such gatherings, leading the judge to question if the law prohibits large public gatherings outside the Press Club.
Shaheen suggested F-9 Park as an alternative if the Press Club location is not permitted. The court then adjourned the hearing, instructing the administration to consult and provide a decision by 12:30 PM on PTI’s protest request.
PTI Cancels July 6 Rally
Earlier this month, PTI canceled its July 6 rally planned for Tarnol Chowk in Islamabad after a legal dispute with local authorities over the revocation of the earlier granted No Objection Certificate (NOC).
PTI leader Omar Ayub criticized the Islamabad administration, stating, “The administration had initially granted permission for today’s rally, but the police sealed the area overnight. The DC Islamabad signed the orders; were they under duress when they granted the permission?”
He claimed 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.
