ISLAMABAD: The interior secretary has revealed in a report submitted to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government allegedly assisted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protestors. The support included providing machinery to remove barriers and forcefully enter Islamabad.
The report disclosed that the protestors were initially asked to seek legal permission to hold their demonstration at Sangjani. When they did not respond positively, they were allowed to protest at the designated site without submitting a formal application. However, the march continued toward D-Chowk instead of staying at the assigned location.
Interior Secretary Captain (retd) Khurram Ali Agha submitted this report during a contempt of court hearing related to the PTI protest in Islamabad. The case, filed by traders, pertained to the PTI’s violation of court orders and the law and order situation created in the capital.
Agha explained that a committee was formed under court directives to manage the situation. This committee included the federal interior minister, interior secretary, chief commissioner, and Islamabad’s inspector general of police.
According to the report, the committee reached out to PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar multiple times, asking him to file an application for the protest under new legal requirements. Despite repeated requests, the PTI leadership did not comply. Even when an offer was made to allow the protest at Sangjani without formalities, the protestors ignored it and advanced toward D-Chowk.
The PTI’s actions, as stated in the report, violated the court’s orders and disrupted public order in Islamabad. Despite these challenges, the administration tried to maintain security while minimizing inconvenience to citizens.
During the contempt of court hearing, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq criticized the Ministry of Interior for delaying the submission of the report. The state counsel sought additional time, explaining that the report was not ready.
Justice Farooq questioned the delay and stressed the need for clarity. He reminded the administration of its obligation to protect citizens’ rights and maintain law and order. He expressed disappointment over the complexity created in implementing a straightforward court directive.
Following the hearing, the interior secretary submitted a four-page written report detailing the events. The court has adjourned the hearing to next week, allowing time for further deliberation on the case.
