IHC reserves verdict on plea against PTI's September 27 long March

The bench had earlier sought affidavits from senior Khyber Pakhtunkhwa officials as part of the proceedings. Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Malik, the Prosecutor General, KP Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and KP Inspector General of Police appeared before the court.

With the court’s special permission, videos of PTI protests held in 2022 and 2024 were also played in the courtroom. During his arguments, Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Malik said government machinery had been used during the 2022 protest and that cranes were used to remove barriers placed by the Islamabad administration to stop the march.

He said the D-Chowk area was set on fire and property was destroyed, adding that similar events were repeated in 2024 when Islamabad was attacked with full force. He further said PTI leaders were making statements such as “freedom or martyrdom”, which,, did not represent a peaceful gathering.

The advocate general said two main objectives of the proposed long march had emerged: the release of a prisoner and bringing down the government. He maintained that both demands were unconstitutional. Naveed Malik argued that no protest could be held without permission from a magistrate, as an application was required under the law.

He administration did not have the capacity to stop two million people if they marched on Islamabad. He said authorities could impose Section 144 and make administrative arrangements, but could neither fire on citizens nor take their lives, urging the court to take preventive measures before the situation went beyond control.

On the other hand, the petitioner’s lawyer said the KP chief minister was making speeches about bringing four million people to Islamabad. He argued that if such a protest over what he termed unconstitutional demands was not stopped and the court did not issue an order, the administration would have no option left.

During the hearing, the court summoned the KP inspector general to the rostrum and directed him to read his submitted affidavit. Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar asked the KP IGP whether he would stop and disperse protesters if an illegal and unconstitutional gathering took place.

The KP IGP assured the court that he had submitted his affidavit in accordance with its directions and that if any illegal action or advance was made from the province, it would be stopped under all circumstances. After the KP advocate general submitted a written report, the court reserved its verdict.