IHC ruling: state resources barred for PTI’s planned 27 September Islamabad march

The Islamabad High Court has directed all chief ministers to ensure public funds and official machinery are not deployed for the September 27, march, ruling that no party has the right to block public roads.

Qom Desk

14 September 20261 min read

IHC ruling: state resources barred for PTI’s planned 27 September Islamabad marchPhoto: QOM

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday, September 14, 2026, disposed of a petition challenging the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf's (PTI) planned September 27, long march. A larger bench headed by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar issued explicit directives prohibiting the use of state machinery, public funds, or government officials to facilitate the political demonstration.

The ruling came in response to a plea filed by a private citizen, Waqas Ahmed, regarding potential disruptions to public life and essential services. The bench ruled that no political party holds the lawful right to occupy highways or public buildings, directing provincial authorities to strictly enforce compliance.

During the proceedings, the bench allowed video footage of previous protests in 2022 and 2024 to be screened, despite initial reluctance from Chief Justice Dogar to set a routine courtroom precedent. The court also recorded a formal undertaking from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police, who assured the bench that law enforcement would act within its jurisdiction to prevent any illegal or unconstitutional gatherings.