ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered Deputy Commissioner (DC) Irfan Nawaz Memon to hold talks with demonstrators protesting outside the National Press Club and ensure the peaceful conclusion of the sit-in.
The direction came during a hearing on a petition filed by the administration of a nearby F-6 petrol pump, which claimed that the ongoing protest by families of missing Baloch individuals had disrupted their business operations.
Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, who presided over the hearing, expressed concern over the prolonged roadblock caused by the protest. Addressing the deputy commissioner, he said, “Negotiate with the protesters and tell them they cannot sit here. Why is the road blocked? The businesses in the area are being affected.”
Advocate General Islamabad, Ayyaz Shaukat, informed the court that members of the Baloch Youth Council were leading the protest. When questioned by the chief justice about whether permission had been granted for the demonstration, the Advocate General admitted that no such permission existed. “We disperse them, but they return,” he added.
The court questioned the administration’s approach and emphasised the need for immediate and effective action. “The measures taken so far are inadequate. You are responsible for protecting the property rights of others as well,” CJ Dogar remarked.
The deputy commissioner told the court that an alternative location could be offered to the protesters. In response, the chief justice ordered him to engage with the demonstrators and ensure the site is cleared. “Submit a progress report in the next hearing, which is scheduled after two weeks, without failure,” he directed.
Clarifying the court’s stance, the chief justice said, “When we say fifteen days, it doesn’t mean you return after fifteen days.” The DC assured the court that action would be taken immediately.
The petitioner’s counsel urged the court to expedite its directives, stating that local businesses had come to a standstill. In response, the chief justice remarked, “The direction has been given.”
The next hearing will take place in two weeks, with the Islamabad administration expected to present a detailed report on the matter.
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