ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) and Peshawar High Court (PHC) have been approached to halt Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest scheduled for November 24, citing concerns over political unrest and potential law-and-order disruptions.
The federal government braces for a possible standoff as PTI prepares for what it has called a “do-or-die” demonstration, prompting authorities to tighten security in Islamabad. The opposition party, meanwhile, has urged its supporters to ensure maximum participation.
IHC Petition
In Islamabad, a petition filed by Advocate Rizwan Abbasi on behalf of a traders’ association president called for the protest to be declared illegal. The plea argued that the demonstration resembled a “military expedition (lashkar kashi)” led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, which could harm national unity.
The petitioner expressed concerns that the protest, allegedly planned without legal permission, suggested a breakdown of law and order. The plea sought directives for the interior secretary, chief commissioner, and inspector general of police (IGP) to prevent the protest and safeguard citizens’ fundamental rights, including freedom of movement, trade, and property protection.
Responding to the petition, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq summoned the interior minister, interior secretary, Islamabad chief commissioner, and IGP for a hearing.
PHC Petition
In Peshawar, a similar plea raised alarms over the demonstration’s potential to disrupt businesses and worsen the province’s already precarious security situation. The petitioner argued that public funds were being misused for political purposes, which contravened constitutional provisions and fundamental rights.
The plea called for the protest to be declared unconstitutional and stressed the financial strain it would impose, with millions of rupees from the public exchequer potentially wasted.
Concerns Over ‘Jihadi Squad’
Adding to the tension, reports have emerged of a “Jihadi Squad” formed by the KP government for the protest. Sources revealed that the squad, consisting of 9,000 members from PTI’s Youth Wing, was established following a meeting in Peshawar. The group, reportedly equipped with protective gear, will lead the main procession.
KP Provincial Minister Meena Khan and Special Assistant Sohail Afridi are set to spearhead the squad. Afridi clarified to Geo News that the term “Jihadi Squad” symbolizes peaceful resistance against oppression and emphasized that the participants were ready to protest without fear for their safety.
Implications
Both petitions reflect growing concerns over the political and economic ramifications of the protest. As legal proceedings continue, the federal and provincial governments remain on high alert to manage the fallout from the planned demonstration.
