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IHC to form larger bench over PTI's planned September 27 Islamabad protest

The Islamabad High Court has moved to constitute a larger bench to hear a petition against the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf's planned September 27, march, warning of potential constitutional implications.

Abdul Basit Khan

Editorial Researcher8 September 20261 min read

IHC to form larger bench over PTI's planned September 27 Islamabad protestPhoto: QOM

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) decided on Tuesday to constitute a larger bench to hear a petition challenging the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf’s (PTI) planned protest and long march in the federal capital on September 27. Presiding over the preliminary hearing, IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar observed that the matter was highly sensitive and carried significant constitutional implications, likening the potential fallout to a constitutional crisis.

The petition, filed by local trader Waqas Ahmed, contends that the demonstration announced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi poses a direct threat to public order, routine business operations, and civic life in Islamabad.

Representing the petitioner, advocate Akhtar Chheena argued that political entities should not be permitted to use street protests to exert pressure on the judiciary for relief in pending criminal cases. He cited past demonstrations, including the November 2024 protest, which resulted in injuries and property damage. In view of the gravity of the petition, the court issued formal notices to the Attorney General for Pakistan and summoned top provincial and federal administrative officials.