ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq said that as per intelligence reports, there were fears of another attack on former Prime Minister Imran Khan. He passed remarks while hearing petition filed by traders regarding road closures due to party’s protest.

Earlier, Justice Farooq had sought report from Inspector General of Islamabad Police on petition and directed Interior Ministry to devise strategy to ensure hassle-free protests in Islamabad. During hearing, judge, quoting intelligence reports submitted in court said that there was possibility of another attack on Imran’s life. “It is responsibility of government and state to look into matter,” he said. 

At outset of hearing, IHC CJ instructed PTI to submit fresh plea to Islamabad administration seeking permission to stage sit-in in capital. “If issue is not resolved, fresh petition can also be filed,” he said. It was not court’s responsibility to allot place for sit-in. “It is administration’s discretion if they want to give permission for D-Chowk or F-9 Park.” Justice Farooq observed that administration should decide rules and regulations for protest. “Same was ordered by Supreme Court as well,” he said. Court asked if roads in Islamabad were still closed and sought an update on situation in other provinces.

“Even in England, people gather at 10 Downing Street. But they protest, not block streets,” he pointed out. “When SC said they can’t stop long march, you blocked GT Road and other motorways,” Justice Farooq told PTI lawyer, calling on party to “demonstrate responsibility”. Subsequently hearing was adjourned till November 22.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 19 2022

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.