Islamabad High Court Directs Deputy Commissioner to Negotiate with Protesters to End Demonstration

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court has directed the Deputy Commissioner (DC) to negotiate with protesters in the federal capital and work towards ending their demonstration.
The court was hearing a petition regarding the protest by the families of missing Baloch persons outside the National Press Club. The hearing was conducted by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, who also heard the petition filed by the administration of the F-6 petrol pump.
Chief Justice Dogar remarked that the DC should negotiate with the protesters and explain that they cannot sit there, as the area has been blocked, which is affecting business operations. The court was informed by Advocate General Islamabad, Ayaz Shaukat, that the protestors belong to the Baloch Youth Council.
Chief Justice Dogar inquired whether the protest had been authorized. Advocate General Shaukat confirmed that no permission had been granted, and that while the administration had attempted to disperse the protesters, they continued to return.
The Chief Justice then questioned the Islamabad administration’s efforts, asking what actions had been taken. He instructed the administration to take more serious measures, stating that the actions taken so far had been insufficient. He emphasized the need to protect the property of the opposing party as well.
Addressing the Deputy Commissioner, Chief Justice Dogar inquired under what legal grounds the protesters were blocking the property. The Deputy Commissioner responded that they could offer an alternative location for the protest.
The Chief Justice directed the DC to engage with the protesters and ensure they leave the area. He further instructed the DC to submit a report on the progress of the negotiations in two weeks, without any failure.
In a conversation with the DC, Chief Justice Dogar clarified that the two-week timeframe did not mean the matter should only be addressed after 15 days. DC Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Meman assured the court that immediate action would be taken.
The petitioner’s lawyer argued that the ongoing protest had disrupted their business, urging the court to direct swift action. Chief Justice Dogar remarked that while directions had been given, resolving the matter was not as simple as putting a morsel of food in someone’s mouth.