IHC Reserves Verdict on Plea Against PTI's September 27 Islamabad March

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has reserved its verdict on a petition challenging Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's proposed September 27 long march toward the federal capital after hearing arguments from the parties and reviewing material concerning previous protest movements. The politically sensitive case comes as authorities and the opposition prepare for another major mobilisation centred on Islamabad.

A three-member larger bench headed by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, with Justice Azam Khan and Justice Muhammad Asif, heard the matter. Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Malik, prosecution representatives, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and the provincial inspector general of police were among those who appeared during the proceedings.

The court granted special permission for video footage from PTI's 2022 and 2024 protest movements to be shown in the courtroom. Government lawyers used the material to support their argument that previous demonstrations had involved serious law-and-order problems, including damage to public property and efforts to remove barriers erected by the administration. Those assertions formed part of the government's case for preventive action ahead of the proposed September march.

The Islamabad advocate general argued that political protest must operate within the legal framework and said organisers are required to seek permission from the relevant magistrate. He maintained that authorities could impose Section 144 and take other administrative measures to preserve order but warned that an exceptionally large mobilisation could place severe pressure on the capital's security arrangements. He also argued that demands involving the release of a prisoner or removal of a government cannot be pursued outside constitutional and judicial procedures.

The petitioner's counsel similarly urged the court to consider statements by PTI leaders about bringing a very large number of supporters to Islamabad. The lawyer argued that waiting until violence or disruption occurred would leave authorities with limited options and asked the court to intervene before the planned mobilisation. PTI, meanwhile, has publicly described its proposed march as a political protest linked to its demands, including the release of jailed party founder Imran Khan.

During the hearing, the bench questioned the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police chief about how provincial authorities would respond if an unlawful or unconstitutional gathering moved toward Islamabad. The inspector general told the court that an affidavit had been submitted in accordance with judicial directions and assured the bench that any illegal action or movement originating from the province would be stopped. A written report was also submitted on behalf of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government before arguments concluded.

The dispute has wider implications because Islamabad has repeatedly faced extensive security deployments, road closures and disruption during major political protests. Preparations for the September 27 mobilisation have already intensified political tensions, while authorities have sought additional personnel and introduced restrictions in parts of the country citing public-order and security concerns. The legal challenge therefore sits at the intersection of the constitutional right to peaceful political activity and the state's responsibility to protect residents, government institutions and public infrastructure.

With arguments now complete, attention will shift to the court's reserved verdict. The decision could clarify what legal conditions or restrictions may apply to the proposed march and how authorities should balance protest rights with security considerations. PTI's mobilisation plans and the government's operational preparations are expected to remain under close scrutiny as September 27 approaches.