ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has disposed of a petition challenging a possible protest and long march by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on September 27, issuing directions on the use of government resources and protection of citizens’ rights.
The court ruled that no political party, leader or public office-holder has the legal authority to block roads, highways or other public places in Islamabad or obstruct citizens’ freedom of movement.
A three-member larger bench, headed by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and comprising Justice Muhammad Azam Khan and Justice Muhammad Asif, announced the reserved judgment.
The court directed provincial governments to ensure that state resources are not used for any march, procession or rally. Chief ministers were ordered to ensure that government funds, vehicles, machinery, other official equipment and government employees are not used for political protests.
It also ruled that no government employee can be forced to participate in a march, procession or rally. Chief secretaries and provincial police chiefs were directed to ensure compliance with the court’s directions.
The court further directed the federal interior secretary, Islamabad chief commissioner and Islamabad police chief to take necessary measures to protect citizens’ constitutional rights.
The court said the right to peaceful assembly and protest must be balanced with other citizens’ fundamental rights, freedom of movement, public order and the lawful use of state resources.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary and inspector general of police also submitted affidavits to the court, assuring it that government resources and official machinery would not be used for the protest.
The court observed that no political party or public office-holder had the authority to block roads.
Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Hayat Malik argued that two objectives had so far emerged from the planned march: seeking the release of an imprisoned leader and attempting to bring down the government. He described both objectives as unlawful.
At the request of the advocate general, the court was shown footage of incidents of violence and arson allegedly linked to PTI protests in 2020 and 2024.
Malik told the court that PTI supporters intended to travel to Islamabad using their full resources, while the administration lacked the capacity to stop them completely.
“We can only make arrangements, including imposing Section 144,” he said, referring to the legal provision used by authorities to restrict public gatherings and movement.
The advocate general said the government could not respond to protesters by opening fire on citizens or risking their lives.
He urged the court to allow authorities to take preventive measures before the situation escalated.
Malik also argued that political disputes should be resolved through constitutional and parliamentary mechanisms rather than by blocking roads.
“If you are unhappy with the prime minister, go to parliament and move a no-confidence motion,” he said. “If you want to bring down the government at crossroads, then do not talk about the rule of law.”
He further claimed that more cases were now being filed in the courts, which, he argued, indicated growing public confidence in the judicial system.
The court’s proceedings came amid concerns over the possible use of government resources in connection with the PTI protest.
The Islamabad High Court’s direction requires the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to ensure that official machinery and state resources are not used for the political demonstration.
