ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday ordered authorities in the federal capital to grant permission to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a public rally in the city.
“The right of assembly cannot be taken away from a person,” IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq said while hearing PTI’s petition seeking the court’s permission to hold a public rally in Islamabad against the alleged rigging and manipulation of the results of the February 8 polls.
The judge’s remarks come after the district administration rejected PTI’s request, filed by party leader Aamir Mughal, for a show of force on March 30, citing “law and order”.
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon, when contacted, said the PTI leadership’s application was rejected due to serious security concerns, The News reported.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Akbar Nasir had also earlier warned PTI to avoid holding rallies without legal permission from relevant authorities or face strict action.
During the IHC hearing today, CJ Farooq emphasized that public meetings are for everyone and directed the authorities to finalize the terms and conditions regarding the public meeting with PTI.
To this, the government counsel complained that the party had violated previous agreements with the administration.
“Don’t impose unusual conditions. Allow them [to hold a public meeting] according to the standard terms of reference,” the chief justice replied.
Besides, in the hearing, PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat said that the party now wishes to hold a public rally on April 6 – instead of March 30.
“Life does not stop,” CJ Farooq further said in response to the government lawyer’s claim regarding Tuesday’s terror attack that killed six people including five Chinese engineers in Shangla, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
To this, the prosecutor asked for time to respond after receiving instructions, to which the judge emphasized that he had the authority to rule on the matter and that he was not seeking the ex’s consent.
Talking to PTI lawyer CJ Farooq said that they should ensure that the public gathering remains free from commotion and any vandalism.
