IHC forms larger bench to hear plea against PTI's Sept 27 protest

The bench is scheduled to hear the case on September 10. Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar issued a three-page written order from the previous hearing and directed the chief secretaries and inspectors general of police of all four provinces to appear before the court in person on Thursday.

The court also summoned the Islamabad chief commissioner, Islamabad IG and deputy commissioner in their personal capacity. The advocate generals of all four provinces and Islamabad have also been called to assist the court in the proceedings.

The petition was filed by a businessman who argued that PTI’s proposed protest could affect citizens and business activities in Islamabad. His counsel governing protests in the capital already exists and raised concerns about the possible use of government resources during the planned mobilisation.

During the previous hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer also referred to PTI’s 2024 protest and presented relevant statements and newspaper reports before the court. He argued that protests should not be used to exert pressure on state institutions and courts.

The court noted that the matter was of significant importance and, in view of its sensitivity, issued a notice to the Attorney General for Pakistan for assistance in the case. The court subsequently decided that the matter should be heard by a larger bench.

The petition comes after PTI announced a September 27 protest and long march towards Islamabad. The party has said the mobilisation is aimed at seeking access to party founder Imran Khan for his family and personal doctors, as well as raising concerns regarding his legal and prison-related matters.

The IHC has fixed the matter for further hearing on September 10, when the summoned officials are expected to appear before the three-member larger bench.