SC orders PAT, PTI to clear Constitution Avenue in 24 hours

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) officials have assured the Supreme Court of Pakistan that they will vacate the constitution avenue.

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Justice Nasir-ul Mulk led the five member bench which instructed the lawyers of the two parties as well as the attorney general to make sure the Constitution Avenue was cleared in 24 hours.

The Supreme Court bench was hearing a petition filed by the Supreme Court Bar Assosiation (SCBA) President, Kamran Murtaza along with other members, arguing that the protestors are in violation of the rights of the common citizen according to Articles of the constitution.

The Supreme Court bench remarked that the judges would like to arrive tomorrow to the Supreme Court via the Constitution Avenue.

Road Blocked

Thousands of workers and supporters of PTI and PAT have been protesting in the federal capital for over a week, against alleged rigging in the general elections held in May 2013. The protestors have one firm demand, the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The road block has forced judges of the apex court to use alternate routes to arrive at the Supreme Court, while employees have also complained of being harassed by the protestors.

The Chief Justice remarked during proceedings on Monday that instead of law enforcement personnel, protestors were stopping cars and checking them before allowing them to proceed.

The Supreme Court has ordered that a report to this effect be submitted with the registrar’s office by Tuesday. The Supreme Court adds that after the people have vacated Constitution Avenue, the next step will be the removal of containers.

No Jurisdiction, says Qadri

The counsel for PAT informed the court that he will deliver the apex court’s decision to Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri. However Dr. Qadri has already informed the court that his protestors will not violate any state building adding that since the protest was a political activity, the apex court had no jurisdiction to interfere.