The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has formed a larger bench to hear a petition challenging the IHC PTI September 27 protest planned in the federal capital. The court cited the sensitivity of the matter.
Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar heard the petition filed by citizen Waqas Ahmed. He later constituted a three-member bench comprising Justice Sarfraz Dogar, Justice Azam Khan and Justice Muhammad Asif to hear the case.
The larger bench will take up the petition on September 10. The court has also issued notices to the Attorney General and senior provincial officials in connection with the planned PTI protest and long march.
The IHC has summoned the inspectors general of police, advocate generals and chief secretaries of all four provinces to appear in person. The officials are expected to assist the court as it considers the legal and security aspects of the matter.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer said his client was a businessman based in Islamabad. He argued that the proposed protest could disrupt daily life and business activities if demonstrations were held in the capital.
The counsel also referred to statements by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister and presented newspaper reports about the planned protest. He argued that political parties should pursue pending cases through legal channels instead of using street protests to pressure state institutions.
The lawyer further referred to the 2024 protests, alleged losses and security concerns, while presenting legal provisions related to demonstrations in Islamabad. The court, citing the sensitivity of the IHC PTI September 27 protest petition, adjourned further proceedings until September 10.
