The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday ruled that no protests or rallies violating the recently enacted law on public gatherings in the capital will be permitted over the weekend, coinciding with the Belarusian president’s visit. This decision poses a major setback for PTI’s planned “do or die” protest in Islamabad on November 24 (Sunday).
Last week, PTI’s detained leader, Imran Khan, issued a “final call” for the protest, criticizing the alleged stolen mandate, the arrests of party workers, and the approval of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he claims has strengthened authoritarian rule.
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Chief Justice Aamer Farooq presided over the hearing of a petition filed by Islamabad traders seeking to declare PTI’s protest illegal. The petition also called on the federal government and local authorities to prevent PTI from organizing the protest.
According to the court, the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024, mandates that any group intending to hold an assembly in Islamabad must apply in writing to the district magistrate at least seven days in advance. The court was informed, however, that PTI had yet to submit such an application.
The court noted that the Belarusian president, along with a delegation of over 60 individuals, will be visiting Islamabad on November 24. Their security and mobility, the court stressed, are of paramount importance, considering the diplomatic significance of the visit.
The court suggested that the federal government establish a committee led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to engage with PTI’s leadership and address concerns regarding the foreign delegation’s movements over the weekend. The committee is also expected to include the Islamabad chief commissioner and other relevant officials.
The court emphasized that maintaining law and order remains the responsibility of the authorities and prohibited protests or sit-ins in violation of the Act of 2024. It urged PTI’s leadership to cooperate with the government’s committee for a resolution and ordered the submission of a progress report by November 27.
Interior Minister Naqvi, speaking to the media, rejected the possibility of negotiations with PTI as long as the party continues issuing threats. He added that dialogue should be conducted with mutual respect, not through intimidation.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that the government would take strict action against anyone disrupting public order. He accused PTI of pursuing an anti-national agenda, frequently calling protests during significant foreign visits, and undermining Pakistan’s progress.
Tarar dismissed speculations that the November 24 protest could be postponed if Imran Khan were released, calling it an indication of desperation. He argued that PTI’s “call for chaos” aimed to secure a deal, but reiterated that no deal would be offered outside the bounds of the law.
Separately, Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, released a video on his behalf urging the public to join the November 24 protest. She stated that the rally is not just for Khan’s cause but for Pakistan’s future and true freedom. She also called on judges and lawyers across the country to lead the movement.
Bushra Bibi dismissed rumors of date changes or negotiations, stating that only Imran Khan himself could announce any changes. She stressed that the November 24 protest will go ahead as planned unless Khan directly addresses the nation with an alternative strategy.
