Islamabad, November 21,2024- The Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Aamer Farooq, has directed the Interior Minister to engage with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership for peaceful and constitutionally compliant negotiations regarding their planned protest.
The directive was issued in a five-page written order following a hearing on a petition seeking to halt PTI’s protest in Islamabad. The court instructed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to form a committee to facilitate negotiations with PTI. The order recommended that the minister himself or another official lead the committee to engage with the party’s leadership. Additionally, the committee is tasked with briefing PTI leaders on the sensitivity of the ongoing visit by the Belarusian President. The Chief Commissioner of Islamabad has also been directed to be part of the committee.
The IHC expressed confidence that progress could be achieved through such contact. However, the court also stated that if the negotiations fail, the Interior Minister must ensure peace and order in Islamabad in accordance with the law.
The written order outlined the procedure for PTI’s protest, stating that the party must submit a formal application to the Deputy Commissioner at least seven days in advance. Permission must be obtained before proceeding with any demonstration. The court further directed the Interior Minister to communicate this requirement to PTI leadership.
The court has instructed both parties to submit a report on the progress of the negotiations by November 27. The case will be heard further on the same date.
