The Sindh High Court has rejected a report of the provincial Home Department and the deputy commissioner on not granting permission to the PTI to hold a rally, saying there is no justification for not allowing the gathering.
The Sindh High Court, headed by Chief Justice Aqeel Abbasi, heard a petition of the PTI regarding permission for a rally. The court ordered the departments concerned to decide on the PTI's request within 10 days. The court also said that, if possible, the parties should mutually agree to hold the rally at an alternative location.
The chief justice remarked that the report shows the incapability of all the agencies, adding that those who were submitting such reports would not remain in office. "In case of harassment, action would be taken according to the law."
The court said the party had the right to hold a rally, and asked how long the authorities would run the affairs like this. The CJ told the public prosecutor that it was very easy to speak against the judiciary and run a campaign against it on social media, asking the lawyer to do things in a way that the court did not have to give judgements against them. "Even a child knew whose fight it was."
It further said that the national interest mandated that the Constitution be protected. CJ Abbasi further told the public prosecutor to impose a curfew and deliver rations to people's houses, adding this was not a matter of a war between India and Pakistan.
"If you want to ban them completely, bring a petition. If the law allows, we will order an immediate ban," the chief justice remarked, adding that other people held a gathering, but the authorities were saying permission had not been sought and were making excuses that there were terrorist groups.
He further said that this was not how it would go on, adding that all the agencies and institutions got together to stop a rally from being held. "This is what we have been hearing since the country was formed: that the country is in danger," Chief Justice Abbasi remarked.
"Can anyone do anything without your permission? We have nothing to do with any party. Sit down and review, and allow them to hold a rally. Don't take us to the point where we have to issue very strict orders," he stressed, adding that the agencies and institutions should die of shame.
"Is this your democracy? How long will this last? Go to the extent that you can bear yourself also," the CJ addressed the public prosecutor. "Who are the terrorists that want to attack them?"
