Islamabad, December 4, 2024- Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq criticized both Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the government on Wednesday for failing to uphold citizens’ rights during and after the November 24 protest.
Hearing a contempt of court petition filed by Islamabad traders, the IHC chief justice expressed dissatisfaction with PTI’s disregard for court orders and the government’s handling of the situation.
“I will ask PTI why the court’s orders were not followed,” remarked Justice Farooq. Turning to the government, he added, “You closed Islamabad in such a way that even I, as a judge, could not reach the court.”
Justice Farooq reprimanded the authorities for their disproportionate response, saying, “The government was tasked with maintaining law and order, but instead, it shut down the entire city. On the media, you repeatedly cited the Islamabad High Court’s order, but the court had directed you to consider the fundamental rights of citizens, business owners, and protesters. It felt as though I had fallen victim to my own order.”
The petitioner, representing the city’s traders, questioned the forced closure of businesses, asking, “Why were our businesses shut down? What was our fault?”
During the proceedings, DSP Legal Sajid Cheema, state counsel Malik Abdul Rehman, and other officials appeared in court. Rehman informed the court that while some reports on the matter had been submitted, others were still pending.
The court reprimanded Rehman for the delay, questioning his preparedness. “Is this your first time appearing before the court? This expert opinion should have been ready by now,” Justice Farooq stated.
The case was adjourned until next week, with the court instructing the Ministry of Interior to submit a detailed report on the matter.
