ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has decided to constitute a larger bench to hear a petition seeking legal action against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) proposed protest and long march in the capital on September 27.
IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar heard the petition filed by citizen Waqas Ahmed, who has named the police chiefs of all four provinces, Islamabad Police, Motorway Police and other relevant authorities as respondents.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer said his client was a businessman in Islamabad and feared that the planned demonstration could disrupt commercial activities and affect daily life in the capital.
The counsel said PTI had announced plans to bring the protest to Islamabad following an announcement by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
Expressing security concerns, the lawyer questioned whether arrangements were in place to prevent any attempt to target Adiala Jail, drawing comparisons with the violence witnessed during the May 9 incidents.
He also referred to PTI’s previous attempts to enter Islamabad in 2024, claiming that three Rangers personnel were martyred during one such protest and that, according to media reports, the resulting losses amounted to around Rs240 million.
The IHC chief justice observed that the matter was sensitive and described it as potentially resembling a “constitutional crisis.”
Given the seriousness of the issue, the court ordered the formation of a larger bench and issued notices to the Attorney General for Pakistan.
The court summoned the IGPs and advocate generals of all four provinces, along with the chief secretaries of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, to appear in person.
The chief commissioner and deputy commissioner of Islamabad, as well as the Islamabad police chief, were also directed to attend the proceedings.
The court has sought detailed responses from the relevant authorities and adjourned the hearing until September 10.
According to the petition, PTI’s proposed September 27 sit-in could create difficulties for residents and commuters while also disrupting business and commercial activity across the federal capital.
The post IHC to form larger bench over PTI’s planned Sept 27 Islamabad march appeared first on Karachi News.