The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued an order on Tuesday, instructing the police to refrain from harassing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidates and workers involved in election activities. This decision comes just two days ahead of the general elections scheduled for February 8, as PTI, facing challenges and unofficial restrictions, strives to conduct its election campaign without hindrances.
IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq presided over the plea filed by PTI lawyers Shoaib Shaheen and Ali Bukhari, addressing concerns about the harassment of party workers and seeking permission for an unhindered election campaign.
Also Read: Bushra Bibi Seeks Transfer to Adiala Jail: Files Petition in IHC
The lawyer representing the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) informed the court that all received applications had been processed, and the Inspector General (IG) of Islamabad had been directed to investigate the matter. A senior police official, SSP Operations, present in court stated that only two out of 112 PTI candidates had alleged harassment.
Justice Farooq expressed disapproval of the deliberate picking up of individuals, cautioning the responsible officer about potential summoning, even considering the IG and Secretary Home.
The high court chief justice emphasized the ECP’s obligation to conduct free and fair elections and questioned why they were not addressing matters under their authority. He specifically mentioned the ECP taking notice of a press conference in Lahore and urged similar action in Islamabad.
PTI’s counsel raised concerns that, as the election campaign concludes, a “new phase of abducting the polling agents will begin.” Shaheen informed the court about police picking up PTI supporters, pressuring them to leave the party and join another.
The court was informed about threats made to PTI candidates, warning of legal action if they held rallies. The high court directed the police not to harass PTI’s workers and candidates, adjourning the hearing until the next week.
