IHC forms larger bench to hear plea against PTI’s Sept 27 protest

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a written decision on a petition challenging Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) scheduled September 27 protest and long march, while creating a three-member bigger bench to consider the matter.

The larger bench will comprise IHC Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, Justice Azam Khan and Justice Muhammad Asif. The bench is slated to hear the case on September 10.

Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar issued a three-page written order from the last session and directed the chief secretaries and inspectors general of police of all four provinces to come before the court in person on Thursday.

PTI finalises backup protest plan if Minar-e-Pakistan demonstration is denied permission

The court also summoned the Islamabad chief commissioner, Islamabad IG and deputy commissioner in their personal capacity. The advocate generals of all four provinces and Islamabad have also been asked to assist the court in the proceedings.

The petition was submitted by a businessman who contended that PTI’s intended demonstration could disrupt citizens and economic activity in Islamabad. His counsel informed the court that legislation governing protests in the capital already exists and highlighted concerns about the likely use of government resources during the planned mobilisation.

During the previous session, the petitioner’s lawyer also referred to PTI’s 2024 protest and brought relevant remarks and newspaper reports before the court. He suggested that protests should not be utilized to exert pressure on governmental institutions and judges.

The court remarked that the subject was of substantial importance and, in view of its sensitivity, issued a notice to the Attorney General for Pakistan for help in the case. The court then determined that the dispute should be heard by a larger bench.

The plea came after PTI organized a September 27 rally and long march towards Islamabad. The party has said the mobilisation is focused at getting access to party founder Imran Khan for his family and personal doctors, as well as raising concerns regarding his legal and prison-related affairs.

The IHC has fixed the subject for further hearing on September 10, when the summoned officials are likely to appear before the three-member bigger bench.