IHC Chief Justice Criticizes PTI & Govt for Islamabad Chaos
IHC Chief Justice Criticises Both PTI and Government Over Islamabad Shutdown
The Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has recently voiced strong discontent towards the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), highlighting the severe consequences of the Islamabad shutdown. During a court hearing, Justice Aamer Farooq clarified that if PTI was at fault, the government was equally culpable in failing to uphold the law and order during the chaos. His remarks came as he presided over a contempt of court petition filed by Islamabad’s business community in response to PTI’s November 24 protest.
Government’s Role in the Islamabad Shutdown
The IHC Chief Justice expressed his frustration at the government’s handling of the situation, emphasizing that the government had the primary responsibility to restore order. However, instead of effectively managing the protest, the administration shut down the entire capital, leaving its residents and businesses in disarray. He pointed out that while the government claimed to follow court orders, the actions taken directly contradict the spirit of those orders.
Justice Aamer Farooq expressed that the government was failing to control the protest and impeding the daily functioning of businesses in Islamabad. He highlighted the damage to local businesses, which were forced to halt their operations, adding further financial strain to an already volatile situation. His frustration stemmed from the fact that the government seemed to ignore the core principle of the court’s earlier directive: the protection of fundamental rights, including those of citizens, traders, and protesters alike.
Criticism of PTI’s Actions and Violation of Court Orders
In addition to holding the government accountable, Justice Aamer also turned his attention to PTI, questioning the political party’s disregard for the court’s authority. The court had previously ordered the restoration of public order, yet PTI’s actions led to widespread disruption across the capital. The Chief Justice clarified that he would also seek answers from PTI regarding the violation of court orders and the subsequent damage to the city and its businesses.
The Chief Justice expressed his disapproval by stating, “If PTI is at fault, then the government is equally to blame.” What was the petitioner’s fault? Why did you shut down their business?” These pointed remarks underscored the sense of injustice felt by those affected by the protest and the government’s response to it.
The Role of the Islamabad Police and State Counsel
The court session saw the presence of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Legal Sajid Cheema and State Counsel Malik Abdul Rehman. The State Counsel updated the court on the situation, revealing that some reports had been received, but others were still pending. This partial disclosure further irked Justice Aamer, who expressed disappointment at the lack of comprehensive information provided to the court.
His frustration was palpable as he remarked that it was the first time State Counsel Malik Abdul Rehman had appeared before the court, and the expected expert opinion was nowhere to be found. He further added, “You shut down the entire city of Islamabad to such an extent that even I, along with the judges, couldn’t make it to the court. I became a casualty of my own order.” This sentiment reflected the severity of the disruption caused by the protest, which extended well beyond the usual scope of city-wide protests.
Impact on Ordinary Citizens
In his remarks, Justice Aamer Farooq empathized with the ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire between the government and PTI. He asked what fault the ordinary people had in the ongoing conflict and highlighted how they, too, suffered due to the city’s closure. The Chief Justice’s comments served as a reminder that while political conflicts often garner attention, the real victims are the everyday people whose lives are upended in the process.
IHC Orders Detailed Report from Interior Ministry
After the hearing, the Chief Justice directed the Interior Ministry to submit a detailed report on the shutdown and the subsequent actions taken by the government and PTI. The court adjourned the hearing until the following week, promising to revisit the issue once all the necessary information had been provided.
The developments from this session suggest that the IHC is taking a strong stance on holding the government and PTI accountable for the events that transpired during the Islamabad protest. As the case progresses, it will be interesting to see what actions the court will take to address the grievances of those affected, particularly the local business community.
Source: GNN
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