The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ruled that no political party or public office-holder can block roads in the capital. The ruling came while disposing of a petition linked to the PTI September 27 protest and possible long march.
A three-member larger bench headed by IHC Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar announced the reserved verdict. Justice Azam Khan and Justice Asif were also part of the bench that heard the case concerning the proposed protest.
The court heard arguments from senior government officials, including Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan and Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Malik. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and the provincial police chief also appeared before the court.
During the hearing, the court allowed videos of PTI protests held in 2022 and 2024 to be played. Islamabad’s advocate general referred to incidents of violence and damage during previous demonstrations while presenting the government’s concerns about the planned PTI September 27 protest.
The advocate general argued that a protest required prior permission under the law. He also raised concerns about the administration’s ability to manage a very large gathering in Islamabad and said preventive measures could be taken under existing legal provisions.
The petitioner’s lawyer also raised concerns over statements about bringing large numbers of people to Islamabad. Meanwhile, the KP police chief told the court that any illegal action or advance from the province would be stopped in accordance with the court’s directions.
After the KP advocate general submitted a written report, the court reserved its decision. The IHC later announced its verdict and disposed of the petition, while making clear that no political party or public office-holder has the authority to block roads in Islamabad during the PTI September 27 protest.
