Islamabad - The Islamabad High Court will today (Monday) resume the hearing of a petition seeking the court’s directions to the government to provide Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf with an area where it could stage its protest and life in the city does not disturb.

A single bench of IHC comprising Justice Aamer Farooq will conduct hearing of the petition moved by the two residents of Islamabad Muhammad Yaqoob and Shehzad Ahmed who have cited interior ministry and Chairman PTI Imran Khan as respondents.

In their petition, they requested the court to direct the government and PTI to evolve a mechanism for a peaceful protest on November 02, at a particular place where fundamental rights of the ordinary citizens could not get be affected like it happened in 2014 sit-in.

They stated in their petition that the announcement of PTI to lock down the capital city on November 02 is an infringement on fundamental rights of the people. The petitioners argued that they are residents of Islamabad and freedom of movement is their fundamental right. Chairman PTI Imran Khan has announced that he on November 02, 2016 will lock down the whole city that is a threat to the fundamental rights of the people.

The PTI chairman addressing to his supporters at Raiwind Lahore had announced that after Muharram, he will paralyze the capital city urging the masses for a long showdown in Islamabad. He announced that his workers will occupy the roads and entrances toward major government offices.

They maintained that previous sit-in of PTI in 2014 had caused a loss of billions of rupees to the country, besides 50 schools and colleges were closed due to security situation and these remained under the occupation of Punjab police and Rangers for several months.

The petitioners continued that the value of Pakistani rupee deteriorated and foreign investment diminished. Moreover globally Pakistan was seen as an unstable country and so much so Chinese President had postponed his visit to Pakistan.

They added that common man in that entire situation was mostly affected as the whole city was engulfed with a feeling of uncertainty and terror. Leaving the house for office and routine works had become hard. Two important roads, Constitution Avenue and Jinnah Avenue, remained blocked for months. People residing in nearby areas faced shortage of supplies.

The petitioners said that neighbouring country India is pressurizing Pakistan through the LoC. Complete lock down at the capital Islamabad would leave no good message.

“If PTI would stop city life, it will violate article 4 and 15 of the constitution. Under article 4, one cannot be imprisoned by any person unless in a situation provided by law. Article 15 is about freedom of movement that is fundamental right,” they added. Therefore, they prayed to the court to direct the ministry of interior to provide PTI with an area where they could protest and PTI may also be directed to remain within the boundaries of that area.