Islamabad (Staff Report/Agencies): The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold its sit-in at Islamabad’s H-9, directing the government not to arrest former prime minister Imran Khan.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Ahsan, and comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi heard a petition filed by Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) President Mohammad Shoaib Shaheen, seeking the removal of blockades in the capital ahead of the PTI’s long march.
The court instructed the authorities concerned not to make unnecessary use of force and arrest any PTI leader and worker. The court also ordered the immediate release of detained lawyers as well as those arrested under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance 1960.
Earlier the day, the court ordered the Islamabad chief commissioner to provide an alternate site to the PTI for holding its Azadi March and issue a traffic plan for the protesters.
“Let them protest and then go home,” Justice Ahsan remarked and added, “We expect the government to remove barricades.” The court also directed the interior secretary and police to review their policies on road closures.
On the other hand, the Lahore police and the workers of the PTI clashed at Batti Chowk in Lahore on Wednesday as the protesters are trying to march towards Islamabad on the call of party chief Imran Khan.
As per the details, the PTI workers started gathering at the Batti Chowk after announcement by the party’s Lahore chapter that the 'Azadi March' will be started from this point.
The police officials and protesters clashed at the intersection when attempts were made to remove the barriers. Police resorted to shelling tear gas and arrested several protesters.
