Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the government for neglecting citizens’ rights during the November 24 protest.
During a hearing on a contempt petition from traders, Justice Farooq rebuked PTI and the government, highlighting their faults. He condemned the government’s decision to shut down Islamabad, stating, “You were supposed to maintain peace, not lock down the entire city.”
The government had mobilized to prevent protesters from entering the capital after PTI’s call for a protest. Authorities deployed riot police extensively, blocked major roads with shipping containers, and restricted access to the city.
Despite these efforts, PTI supporters breached the capital’s defenses, reaching D-Chowk in the sensitive Red Zone, home to key government buildings like the parliament. The protest escalated until a late-night government crackdown led to PTI’s rapid withdrawal.
PTI later reported that several members were killed, and around 1,000 were arrested during the clash. The government, however, denied using lethal force against the demonstrators.
Justice Farooq referenced the IHC’s November 21 order, which explicitly directed protecting fundamental rights for citizens, traders, and protesters. He criticized PTI for ignoring this mandate, questioning, “What was the petitioners’ fault? Why were their businesses forced shut?”
He shared his personal experience of the lockdown, noting that even judicial officers, including himself, were barred entry to their workplaces. “I had fallen victim to my order,” he stated.
The court has asked the Ministry of Interior for a detailed report on the incident and postponed the hearing until next week.
The traders’ petition underlined the economic damage caused by the prolonged roadblocks and demanded accountability from PTI and the government.
