*Questions why Section 144 was imposed in Islamabad after permission was granted to stage a sit-in
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Friday directed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker from the federal capital, Asad Umar and Islamabad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mujahid Sherdil to formulate a strategy regarding the issue of imposition of Section 144 in the federal capital.
An IHC single judge bench comprising Justice Athar Minallah heard the case. During the hearing, the DC apprised the court that he had not given permission for the sit-in.
Justice Athar Minallah asked why Section 144 was imposed after giving permission for the sit-in. He said that the government has admitted that it gave conditional permission for the sit-in and that the interior minister has stated that the prime minister had allowed PTI’s Azadi march.
“Tell the court if anyone is pressuring you to make arrests,” Justice Athar told the DC.
The deputy commissioner said that there are 12 magistrates with the district administration while request for three more magistrates has been sent to the government.
Questioning why educational institutions in Islamabad were not opened yet, the court directed MNA Asad Umar and the DC to sort out the issue of imposition of Section 144 and also ensure that neither party violates basic human rights.
The hearing of the court was till September 22.