IHC Forms Larger Bench to Address PTI's Controversial Protest Plans
By Editor • September 8, 2026 • 2 min read
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has taken significant steps in response to a petition challenging the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)'s planned protest on September 27. The court, recognizing the sensitive nature of the issue and its potential constitutional ramifications, has formed a larger bench to deliberate on the matter.
During a session on Tuesday, Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfaraz Dogar emphasized the need for comprehensive hearings, issuing notices to several high-ranking officials, including the police chiefs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Balochistan, who are required to attend the next hearing scheduled for September 10.
Legal Concerns Over Planned Protest
The petition was brought forth by Waqas Ahmed, a trader from Islamabad, who raised concerns that the upcoming protest could significantly disrupt daily life and business activities in the capital. Ahmed's lawyer, Akhter Cheena, highlighted that the protest, led by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, could lead to serious disruptions, recalling previous events where such gatherings resulted in violence and casualties.
Cheena referenced the November 2024 demonstrations that escalated into clashes between PTI supporters and security forces, which caused substantial financial losses and raised questions about the legality of the planned protest. He argued that political pressure should not dictate judicial outcomes and expressed worries regarding the use of governmental resources to support the demonstration.
Judicial Independence at Stake
During the proceedings, the court examined the implications of allowing protests to influence court decisions, especially in light of Imran Khan's ongoing legal battles. Cheena pointed out that Khan, currently incarcerated, has pending cases that need resolution without external pressures from public demonstrations. The lawyer questioned whether the government could compel the judiciary to act based on popular support, underlining the Constitution's provision for judicial independence.
As the IHC prepares for further hearings, the larger bench will weigh the balance between the right to protest and maintaining public order, a decision that could set important precedents for future political demonstrations in Pakistan.
Source: www.dawn.com
