ISLAMABAD(The COW News Digital) The Islamabad High Court has ruled that no political party or public office-holder has the authority to block roads or obstruct public movement in the federal capital, while issuing a series of directions concerning the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned protest on September 27.
A larger bench headed by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar announced its decision while disposing of a petition related to the proposed PTI protest in Islamabad.
The court observed that political parties and their leaders do not have a legal right to occupy roads, highways or other public places in a manner that interferes with citizens’ constitutional right to free movement.
The bench also directed provincial chief ministers to ensure that government machinery and public resources are not used for political protests or rallies.
According to the court’s directions, government employees must not be forced or pressured to participate in any political demonstration. Provincial administrations were further instructed to prevent the use of official funds, government officers, vehicles, machinery or other state resources for marches, rallies or political gatherings.
The court emphasized that political activities must not come at the expense of the rights of ordinary citizens. It made clear that no political party or political leader could claim a legal entitlement to block public roads or prevent citizens from travelling freely.
The Islamabad administration and the Ministry of Interior were directed to take steps to protect the constitutional rights of residents and other citizens travelling through the capital.
The court also instructed chief secretaries and provincial police chiefs to ensure compliance with its directions. Separate instructions were issued to the federal interior secretary, Islamabad chief commissioner and Islamabad inspector general of police.
The ruling comes ahead of PTI’s announced September 27 protest in Islamabad, placing greater emphasis on maintaining public access to roads and ensuring that state resources remain separate from political activities.
The court’s directions also establish that provincial governments have a responsibility to ensure that official resources are not diverted toward political demonstrations, regardless of the political party organizing them.
The judgment seeks to balance the right to political activity and public assembly with the constitutional rights of other citizens, particularly their freedom of movement and access to public spaces.
Authorities in Islamabad and the provinces have now been directed to implement the court’s instructions and ensure that government machinery is not used to facilitate political protests.
The ruling is likely to remain significant in the context of future political rallies and demonstrations, particularly where large gatherings have the potential to affect traffic, public services and normal life in the capital.
