The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the government to stop ‘needlessly harassing’ Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers, but stopped short of issuing a ‘general order’ that was sought by the party.
In light of the late-night raids being conducted on the houses of PTI leaders, IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Athar Minallah sent notices to the Islamabad inspector general of police, chief commissioner and deputy commissioner.
PTI had preemptively filed a petition asking the IHC to prevent the government from creating obstacles for the party’s upcoming long march on May 25.
During the initial hearing, PTI’s counsel Barrister Ali Zafar asserted that holding a peaceful protest was everyone’s right, given under the Constitution.
In today’s hearing, he revealed to the court that the Punjab police raided the houses of several PTI leader late night on Monday, and demanded the court issue directives regarding this offense.
The CJ said that the court cannot give a general order because then the court will be held accountable if there is a violation, adding that the Supreme Court’s directives regarding rallies and sit-ins were clear.
The counsel said that the PTI wanted the government to stop the arrests of its leaders, at which the court asked whether an application had been submitted to the district administration for the March 25 protest.
When the counsel confirmed that the application had been filed, CJ Minallah sent out notices to the police and administration asking them to stop harassing PTI leaders.
The court was then adjourned till May 27.
