ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday disposed of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) petition seeking permission to bring out a rally in the federal capital in support of the judiciary.

IHC Justice Babar Sattar heard the petition, filed by PTI leader Ali Nawaz Awan. The petition cited deputy commissioner Islamabad and Inspector general of police as respondents.

The petition stated that the PTI formally sought approval from the DC which was declined. It stated that the PTI in support of the chief justice of Pakistan is bringing out rallies across the country and in Islamabad and it has planned a rally from Zero Point to Fatima Jinnah Park on Saturday.

The petition also requested the court to restrain the district administration. Justice Sattar asked the DC to make a decision on PTI’s petition in accordance with law and fundamental rights related to freedom of expression.

It may be mentioned that Mr Khan, a day earlier, issued a video message and invited people to join the rallies.

Mr Khan gave the call for rallies in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Peshawar at 5:30pm on Saturday.

Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2023