IHC Forms Larger Bench to Hear Plea Against PTI’s Sept 27 Protest, Terms Matter ‘Constitutional Crisis’

ISLAMABAD – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday decided to constitute a larger bench to hear a petition challenging Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned nationwide protest and long march towards the federal capital on September 27 .

Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, who heard the petition filed by citizen Waqas Ahmed, termed the matter sensitive and likened it to a “constitutional crisis” . The court observed that the case carried significant constitutional implications, warranting a broader judicial review .

During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel argued that the proposed protest could severely disrupt daily life, traffic, and business activities in Islamabad . The lawyer presented newspaper clippings and statements attributed to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who is expected to lead the march towards the capital .

The counsel raised concerns over the potential use of provincial government machinery for political activity, questioning whether the KP chief minister would arrive with state resources . The lawyer also referred to PTI’s previous protest in 2024, claiming that three Rangers personnel were killed and that the demonstrations resulted in losses of approximately Rs240 million .

The lawyer further argued that several cases involving PTI leaders, including the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case, were already pending before courts and should be decided according to law rather than through street pressure .

“Is it possible to pressure courts for relief by bringing millions of people to Islamabad?” the counsel questioned, emphasizing that the Constitution clearly provides for the independence of the judiciary .

Given the sensitivity of the matter, the IHC issued notices to the Attorney General for Pakistan and summoned the inspectors general and advocate generals of all four provinces in their personal capacity . The chief secretaries of all provinces, along with Islamabad’s chief commissioner, deputy commissioner, and police chief, were also directed to appear before the court .

The court adjourned further proceedings until September 10, when the larger bench will take up the matter and hear responses from the summoned officials .