• SC rejected the request to instantly halt PTI long march
• The court maintained that to protest is the right of a political party
• The apex court underscored that the political parties should keep the protests peaceful

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday rejected the government’s request to immediately obstruct the PTI long march to Islamabad advising to hold talks with the political party.

Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial heard the contempt case filed by the government over PTI’s long march maintaining that Imran Khan is making announcements to attack Islamabad.

The petition claimed the march as a violation of law and requested the apex court to direct Imran Khan to ensure the implementation of court orders in regard to peaceful protests and sit-ins.

The bench also includes Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi.

The court informed the government that it will see if there is a justification for the contempt of court notice or not in this case.

“To protest is the right of a political party, keeping it within the law is the duty of the administration,” the CJP remarked. The CJP also said that he will not exercise the administration’s powers, and neither the government can use their pens as a baton.

However, he underscored that the political parties should keep the protests peaceful and no mess with law and order situation should be created in the country.

The court summoned the PTI’s reply over the matter on October 31st.

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