ISLAMABAD – Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq expressed strong dismay on Wednesday over the government’s decision to shut down the entire capital city during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests.
Addressing the government’s actions, CJ Farooq remarked, “You were tasked with restoring law and order, but instead, you shut down all of Islamabad. You claimed in the media that this was done on the orders of the IHC. However, the court had directed you to ensure the protection of basic rights for citizens, business owners, and protesters.”
The comments came during a hearing of a contempt of court petition filed by Islamabad’s traders in response to the disruption caused by the PTI protest on November 24.
The Chief Justice further questioned PTI’s actions, stating, “I will also ask PTI why they violated court orders. The petitioner asked, ‘Why were our businesses shut down? What was our fault?’” He continued, “You shut down Islamabad so completely that even judges, including myself, couldn’t get through. I became a victim of my own order. What was the fault of ordinary citizens in the government’s conflict?”
During the hearing, DSP Legal Sajid Cheema and State Counsel Malik Abdul Rahman appeared in court. Malik Abdul Rahman informed the court that some reports had been received, while others were still pending.
Reprimanding the State Counsel, CJ Farooq said, “Is this your first time appearing before the court? You were supposed to give expert advice on this matter.”
The Chief Justice adjourned the hearing until next week, directing the Ministry of Interior to submit a detailed report.
