IHC issues show cause to Ahsan Iqbal, forbids use of 'fire arms' if Op conducted
The protest has entered its 19th day despite orders from both Supreme Court and IHC against the sit-in
November 24, 2017
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Friday served a show cause to Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal to explain under which authority he stopped the administration from acting on the court's order.
Additionally, the court has sought an explanation from Ahsan Iqbal why contempt proceedings may not be initiated against him.
The court in its verdict has also made it clear that the force deputed by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration "shall not use 'fire arms' during clearance operation, if required to be conducted."
Justice Shaukat Siddiqui while hearing the case expressed annoyance at the government’s inaction, saying flouting court order is tantamount to disrespecting it.
He asked under what authority did the interior minister stop action against the sit-in despite the court order, in response to the Chief Commissioner’s comment that the government stopped the city administration from doing so that the dialogue with protestors is not interrupted.
It is unfathomable how an interior minister or even a prime minister can flout court orders, he said, adding that the action was an attempt to degrade the court.
The interior secretary said that if the administration will opt for force there are high chances of bloodshed. He said that the government and administation are taking measures by taking into consideration the interests of the state.
"I cant inform everything here right now, will submit a written statement in [the] chamber," he said. "the state will use force where it is needed".
The hearing has been adjourned until November 27. Justice Siddiqui directed the interior secretary to submit Raja Zafarul Haq's report before the court in next hearing.
The ruling party has formed an inquiry committee with PML-N leader Raja Zafar-ul-Haq in the chair, who will identify those responsible for the mistake and the change in the oath.
Justice Siddiqui assured the respondents that the name in reports will not be made public. The court has also summoned Director-General Intelligence Bureau, and Inter-Services Intelligence sector commander in the next case hearing.
The protest has entered its 19th day despite orders from both Supreme Court and IHC against the sit-in.
In the last hearing, attended by Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Justice Shaukat Siddiqui asked why court orders to end the protest are not being implemented.
The minister, taking sole responsibility for the failure to end the sit-in, said he wants to resolve the matter peacefully and asked the court for more time.
The court also issued showcause notices for contempt of court to the interior secretary, chief commissioner and Islamabad inspector general.
"I believe we’ll be able to bring the protesters to our side," said Iqbal after the hearing.
Court expresses displeasure
As the hearing began on Monday, Justice Siddiqui expressed reservations saying that the government did not implement his order to clear the protest by 10am on Saturday despite his clear-cut directions to the local administration.
The judge said that he will issue a ‘contempt of court’ order in this regard and ordered the interior ministry's top officials to be present in court today.
Commuters in the twin cities continue to face hardship as the protest sit-in at Faizabad Interchange, linking the main Islamabad-Rawalpindi route, by religious parties enters its fifteenth day today.
Sources said the daily deployment of police and paramilitary personnel is costing the government Rs5 million every day.
Hearing the petition filed by Maulana Allah Wasaya, a member of the protesting group, against the amendments to the clauses related to the finality of Prophethood in the Elections Act, 2017, Justice Siddiqui on November 16 remarked that the petition will be taken up on the condition of ending the sit-in.
The Supreme Court also took notice of the sit-in on Tuesday and sought replies from the relevant government quarters.
Note: An earlier version of this story reported that a contempt notice had been issued to Ahsan Iqbal, the error is regretted.
