LHC prohibits PTI, PAT from 'unconstitutional' march and sit-in

LAHORE: A full bench of the Lahore High Court on Wednesday issued a short order which prohibits "unconstitutional" protests or sit-ins. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Shireen Mazari said, however, that the march would carry on regardless of the court order. The order reads, "The respondents PTI and PAT are restrained meanwhile from launching the azadi march, inquilab march or holding a dharna at Islamabad in an unconstitutional way keeping in view the sanctity of independence day and the chaotic and uncertain situation prevailing in the country."

The short order issued by the high court said that any march that causes anarchy or is unconstitutional is not allowed. The court also said that sit-ins are prohibited. It dismissed the petition regarding the arrest of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri and deferred decision on the containers placed in Lahore and other parts of Punjab. PTI lawyer Ahmed Owais, however, said outside the court that Irman Khan's march is not unconstitutional. Additional Attorney Genereal Naseer Bhutta said the long march and sit-in are unconstitutional and the government can use all resources to stop them. The petition was filed by a citizen against the PTI's decision to hold its 'Azadi march' on independence day in Islamabad. Earlier during the day, the court had reserved its decision saying it would be announced the order at 3pm. Later the decision was said to be announced at 6pm and then at 8pm.