Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed has instructed police personnel not to support any march, rally, or procession heading towards Islamabad in connection with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) scheduled protest on September 27. This directive aligns with the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) earlier ruling aimed at curbing the use of official resources for political demonstrations.
On September 14, the IHC issued a comprehensive order barring provincial governments from deploying state funds, personnel, vehicles, machinery, or other official assets for protests and rallies. The court also prohibited compelling public servants to participate in political activities and mandated that senior officials communicate these instructions to all government employees.
In a formal letter addressed to relevant police officers, the KP police chief referenced the high court’s decision concerning the PTI’s planned march on the federal capital. He emphasized that no facilitation should be provided for the protest and instructed officers to report immediately if they receive any contrary orders. The letter further warned that disciplinary measures would be taken against any police official violating the court’s directives.
The IHC’s ruling followed a petition challenging PTI’s nationwide protests and march scheduled for September 27. The court declared that no political party or leader has the legal right to obstruct public roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas, or public buildings in a way that hinders citizens’ access to educational institutions and medical services.
Moreover, the court labeled any aggression by a federating unit against another or against the federation—including marches or processions—as unconstitutional, illegal, and unlawful. The 37-page verdict highlighted the serious security and law and order issues caused by PTI’s activities in Islamabad during May 2022 and November 2024.
Consequently, the Islamabad administration and Ministry of Interior were directed to prevent any actions within the Islamabad Capital Territory that infringe upon the constitutional rights of other citizens.
Despite these legal constraints, PTI, the major opposition party founded by Imran Khan, has announced its intention to proceed with the nationwide protest and march on September 27. The party demands the release of its founder and continues mobilizing supporters across the country to advocate for constitutional supremacy.
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