LAHORE: The federal government on Thursday hinted at invoking Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) to deal with the situation arising from Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s Nov-2 plans to ‘lockdown’ Islamabad.

During hearing of petitions against the PTI move, Additional Attorney General Naseer Ahmad Bhutta told a full bench: “No hooliganism will be allowed in Islamabad.”

Led by Justice Shahid Hameed Dar, the bench comprises Justice Muhammad Anwarul Haq and Justice Muhammad Qasim Khan.

The law officer stated that the government was absolutely prepared to deal with the situation. He said locking a city was a cognizable offence and the government could exercise relevant laws, including MPO, if deemed necessary.

The MPO empowers the government to detain/arrest any person for acting prejudicial to public safety or maintenance to public order.

During a dialogue with the law officer, Justice Dar regretted that the government had failed to establish its writ during 2014 protest/sit-in by the PTI. Mr Bhutta said the government did not want any bloodshed at that time.

Earlier, Advocate A.K Dogar continued his arguments on behalf of the petitioner.

The bench would resume its hearing either on Friday (today) or Monday, subject to the availability of Advocate Awais.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2016