The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has reserved its verdict on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) petition seeking permission to stage a protest in the federal capital.
IHC Justice Saman Rifat presided over the hearing of the petition filed by PTI leader Amir Mughal after the administration’s refusal to allow the party to hold its event on July 26.
**Administration’s Strong Stance Against Protest Rally**
The state counsel informed the court that the federal capital’s administration had declined requests from all political parties to hold protest rallies due to the security situation. Advocate General Islamabad Ayaz Shaukat explained that various political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), had announced their own protests, and none were granted permission.
“Islamabad has been shut down,” he emphasized, highlighting the administration’s decision to prevent any large gatherings.
**Petitioner’s Argument for Permission**
The petitioner’s counsel, Advocate Shoaib Shaheen, requested the court to allow the PTI to hold their protest at F-9 Park. He pointed out that when the IHC had previously asked the administration to permit a PTI rally, the advocate general had mentioned that no permit could be issued if JI’s sit-in was prolonged.
**Court’s Response to the Administration’s Position**
Justice Rifat questioned the advocate general’s stance, implying that he shouldn’t present himself as “helpless” as he was representing the government. She emphasized the potential negative impression his statements could give to Pakistan’s neighbors and enemies.
Shaukat responded by saying that while the government would deal with external enemies, it was challenging to manage internal issues with the people.
**Final Remarks and Reserved Verdict**
The judge asserted that either the government should grant permission to the PTI or she would write in the order that the government was helpless and could not control the situation. Despite this, the advocate general maintained his position, stating that the administration could not allow the protest to be staged.
The court has now reserved its verdict on the matter.
