In response to a petition filed by traders protesting the closure of roads in Islamabad as a result of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests and sit-ins, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) summoned the capital’s inspector general (IG) on Monday.
IHC Chief Justice Amer Farooq mentioned the motorway during the case’s hearing and questioned why the federal government hadn’t yet allowed traffic on it.
He questioned, “Why do you then stop them?” after pointing out that protests are also held in front of the Parliament.
Justice Farooq stated “Containers are spattered about Islamabad,” he said, adding, “why don’t they [the government] make a good anti-rights force?” Why do you need containers?”
The additional attorney general responded by informing the court that the provincial government is responsible for maintaining law and order.
The court then ordered the IG Islamabad to present a report regarding PTI rallies and road closures in the federal capital and summoned the IG for the upcoming hearing.
The case’s hearing was postponed until November 17.
Since the change of government in April, traders have been trying to stage protests, according to a petition they filed against the closure of roads due to protests.
Furthermore, it claimed that citizens and businesspersons are having trouble and that their fundamental rights are being violated as a result of the protests and road closures.
The court was urged in the petition to order the government to keep traffic moving on the roads, especially the motorway.
“PTI should be forced to hold rallies outside of Islamabad,” it said.
