The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed authorities to prevent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from holding its planned “do-or-die” protest in the federal capital, citing the newly enacted peaceful assembly law.
The decision came during a hearing of a petition filed by Advocate Rizwan Abbasi on behalf of a trader association president. IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq presided over the session, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also appearing as summoned by the court.
In his ruling, Justice Farooq instructed authorities to form a committee, preferably led by the Interior Minister, to engage with PTI leadership. The court highlighted the importance of avoiding disruption, especially with the Belarus president’s visit scheduled for the same weekend.
PTI, under the leadership of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has planned nationwide protests throughout late November. The party’s agenda includes a major rally in Islamabad on November 24, demanding Khan’s release and addressing other grievances.
The court’s decision aims to balance security concerns with the rights to assembly while ensuring public order during a sensitive period.
