ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) on Friday submitted their responses in the Supreme Court over a set of identical petitions filed by bar associations across the country against their sit-ins on Islamabad’s Constitution Avenue.
A five-judge larger bench, headed by Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk, heard the case today.
The PTI’s response stated that it was the constitutional right of the party to hold protests, adding that the measures the party had adopted were within the parameters of the Constitution.
The reply also said that Imran had never said anything about attacking the Parliament and that he believed in the rule of law and the supremacy of the Constitution.
Moreover, the reply stated that the PTI chairman did not support any extra-constitutional measures nor did he have any intentions of doing so.
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The PTI requested the court to order authorities to remove the containers which are installed in the federal capital to block routes, adding that the biggest obstacle in the freedom and mobility of civilians was these containers.
Advocate Ali Zafar, who was representing the PAT, verbally assured the court that the party favoured the rule of law.
“It is a peaceful demonstration, we are not blocking roads neither are we stopping anybody from entering the buildings and don’t intend to cause any damage to the buildings. It is the government that is blocking access by placing containers.”
Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja, who was present on the bench, observed that the country was presently in the midst of a political impasse.
“We need to realize and understand the consequences of this impasse.”
Adjourning the hearing to August 25, the court directed PAT’s counsel to submit a concise statement by tomorrow. — Abdul Shakoor and Nasir Iqbal contributed to reporting
Islamabad protests: PTI, PAT submit response in SC
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