Islamabad High Court on Monday made it clear that no political party or leader has the legal right to occupy roads or public places. The court disposed of a petition filed against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf planned long march towards Islamabad on September 27.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar heard detailed arguments from the Islamabad attorney general and the petitioner’s counsel. The former ruling party has called for nationwide protests and a long march to the federal capital to demand the release of its jailed founder Imran Khan.
The Islamabad attorney general told the court that PTI had used government machinery during earlier long marches. He said there was no sign that the coming march would stay peaceful. “They say our long march will be very peaceful and that they are coming to strengthen the judiciary,” the attorney general remarked.
He referred to statements talking about “either freedom or martyrdom” and requested permission to play videos from the November 2024 protest. Justice Dogar allowed the screening of the footage.
The videos showed Islamabad police preparations, alleged shelling on officers, removal of containers, fires at D-Chowk and the Green Belt, damage to public property, and images of martyred police personnel. One clip even showed Rangers personnel being run over by a vehicle. “By any means, this is not a scene of a peaceful gathering,” the attorney general said, adding that Islamabad had been completely destroyed by fires.
He stressed that citizens have fundamental rights, but those rights remain subject to law when peace and national security are at stake. Anyone wanting to hold a protest or long march in Islamabad must apply to the magistrate and give full details. The district magistrate can reject the request if security arrangements are not satisfactory.
The attorney general also stated that placing containers in the capital is lawful and that the federal government can declare any area a Red Zone. He clarified that the government is not against any political party or leader but insists that protests must follow the law. He claimed PTI had not even submitted an application for permission.
He further described the party’s demands for the release of a convicted prisoner and the removal of the government as unlawful. The proper way to seek release is through the courts, he said.
Chief Justice Dogar asked whether government representatives also had the right to provoke citizens through their statements. The attorney general replied that no one holds such a right.
After hearing both sides, Justice Dogar reserved the decision and directed all parties to wait for the verdict.
