Pakistan Court Bans State Resources for PTI Islamabad March

The Islamabad High Court ruled on September 18 that no political party has the legal authority to occupy public roads, highways, or buildings in a manner that obstructs citizens' movement or essential services. The 37-page judgment, led by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, specifically targets a planned September 27 march by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) intended to demand the release of Imran Khan. The court declared that marches by one federating unit against the federation are unconstitutional and prohibited the use of state machinery, official vehicles, and public servants to facilitate the rally.

Following the ruling, the provincial chief secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa issued a memorandum banning the use of government funds, equipment, and personnel for the PTI march. The directive warns that government employees must not be forced to participate and that officials violating these orders face disciplinary action.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned that the government will use all possible means to block the march into the capital. Naqvi criticized the PTI for organizing the protest while the country faces terrorism, citing a recent attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that killed 16 people. While Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed readiness for dialogue, Naqvi stated that organizers would be held responsible for any loss of life and could face contempt of court proceedings.