The Islamabad High Court has delivered a landmark judgment regarding protests and sit-ins in the federal capital and said that no political party or disruptive group has the right to come to Islamabad whenever it wishes and shut down the city.
The court directed the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that no government machinery or personnel will be used for any rally or procession. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police also assured the court that anyone involved in creating unrest will be arrested.
The High Court observed that while it has announced what it called a “very good decision,” the responsibility now lies with the authorities to take strict action against those who violate the order.
The court further stated that in light of its judgment, PEMRA is bound to direct all media houses not to provide coverage to what it termed “dark chaos and mischief.” The ruling added that anyone who covers such activities will be considered to be in violation of the High Court’s decision and strict legal action must be taken against them.
The judgment is expected to set the legal framework for handling protests, rallies, and media coverage of political gatherings in Islamabad going forward.
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