Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, Justice Aamer Farooq, heard the contempt of court petition filed by traders regarding Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s PTI Protest at D-Chowk on November 24.
Federal Secretary of Interior Captain (R) Khurram Ali Agha submitted a response in the contempt of court case against PTI protest at D-Chowk. The response stated that, per court orders, a committee was formed, including the Interior Minister, Secretary of Interior, Chief Commissioner, and IG Islamabad. PTI Chairman’s representative, Barrister Gohar, was repeatedly contacted and informed to submit a request under the new law for holding a protest.
The response further stated that despite these communications, PTI did not file any request for the protest. They were informed about specific designated areas for protests, yet they proceeded to continue their protest at D-Chowk. The Secretary of Interior stated, “As a civil servant, I cannot even think of contempt of court. The administration made security arrangements to minimize public inconvenience.”
During the hearing in the Islamabad High Court, the Director of the Legal Department, DSP Legal, State Counsel, and others were present. Reports were also submitted by the Chief Commissioner’s office and IG Islamabad’s office.
It should be noted that PTI had announced a march from Peshawar to Islamabad on November 24. However, they did not obtain permission from the federal government or Islamabad’s administration for this protest. Traders had approached the court in this regard. The High Court had directed the federal government to contact PTI leadership and inform them that protests in Islamabad without permission are not allowed.
Despite clear orders from the Islamabad High Court, PTI marched to D-Chowk, leading the traders to file a contempt of court petition.
During Wednesday’s hearing at the Islamabad High Court, at one point, the Secretary of Interior requested additional time to submit detailed reports. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq inquired, “What is in these reports that you are asking for more time? Our orders were very straightforward: maintain law and order, and ensure that the rights of both protesters and citizens are not affected.”
The court directed the State Counsel to submit the report and adjourned the hearing until next week.