No crackdown against PTI workers, IHC gives verdict

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court on Friday in its verdict barred crackdown against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf members, a day after at least 120 members of the party’s student wing were arrested by law enforcement personnel in Islamabad.

The high court’s single bench comprising Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui was hearing a petition related to recent action taken by security personnel.

During the hearing, Justice Siddiqui asked PTI lawyers if the party would peacefully protest or shut down Islamabad?

He said that the court gave its decision keeping in view the party’s freedom of speech.

“Will you accept the court’s decision or not,?” said the high court judge pointing at IHC's earlier decision summoning Imran Khan before it on Oct 31.

The party’s lawyers said that they would accept the court orders whole heartedly, saying that the purpose of the protest is to uphold the law.

The court once again clarified that there should be no containers obstructing the way or crackdown against the workers.

The high court judge said that if someone violates the law then a case should be registered and action should be taken according to law.

In Thursday’s hearing, the IHC had ordered PTI not to shut down the capital during the party’s November 2 sit-in, along with summoning Imran Khan before it.