ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq on Wednesday allowed PTI to hold Jalsa in Islamabad, observing that peaceful gathering is a constitutional right which cannot be denied for technicalities.

Justice Farooq was hearing the petition filed by the PTI.

He directed the district administration to impose reasonable conditions for holding the public gathering.

The counsel for the government argued that due to security threats, permission to hold the public gathering could not be granted.

He also referred to Tuesday’s attack, in which Chinese engineers were killed.

The counsel pointed out that PTI violated the undertaking of holding peaceful gatherings earlier.

Justice Farooq termed the terrorist attack unfortunate but remarked that the constitutional right could not be denied due to such activities since Pakistan needs to eliminate this menace through collective efforts.

He directed the district administration to issue the no objection certificate (NOC) for the gathering and also advised the PTI’s counsel to ensure the procession remains peaceful.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2024