The Islamabad High Court on Monday ruled that Imran Khan can exercise his right to protest at a designated place - Democracy Park and Speech Corner' - of Islamabad but that too will be subject to permission by Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration.
Taking up various petitions in the matter, a single-member bench of Justice Shaukat Siddique, questioned that under which law, a political party can lockdown the city and the court will not allow anybody to do so.
Earlier, the court had summoned Imran Khan to appear before the bench in person but he could not appear before the court as Islamabad police have blocked all roads leading to Bani Gala residence.
Expressing annoyance over Imran Khan's statements to media that he has spoken to IHC judge and he would not appear before the court in the matter, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui observed: "Is he [Imran Khan] the only honourable man left in the country".
During the course of proceedings, the bench granted ten minutes time to PTI counsels to consult with their client - Imran Khan - about staging sit-in at the designated place. After which, Naeem Bukhari, one of Imran Khan's counsels, submitted that his client will start protest from designated place.
Advocate General Islamabad Mian Abdul Rauf told the bench that screening of every participant of the sit-in was necessary due to prevailing law and order situation in the country.
He further said that if PTI protestors intended to move forward from the designated venue, the government will be bound to take action against them to maintain the law and order.
The counsel for Capital Development Authority (CDA) apprised the court about reports of some terrorists' presence which may enter the PTI rally under the guise of party workers.
Responding to bench query what steps have been taken by ICT admin to protect citizens' rights, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad said that his office has communicated to Imran Khan to hold protest at the designated place but no response has been received.
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