KP AG Questions IHC Plea Against PTI Sept 27 Protest

Key Takeaways

• KP AG challenged IHC petition maintainability against PTI's Sept 27 protest.
• Legal remedy was available via Islamabad chief commissioner under Article 199.
• The petitioner failed to list PTI as an official respondent in court.
• IHC Chief Justice Dogar questioned details regarding the planned long march.
• Protests aim to demand the release of PTI founder Imran Khan.

KP Advocate General Challenges Petition Against PTI Protest

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Advocate General Shah Faisal Utmankhel has raised serious questions regarding the maintainability of a petition filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC). According to a report by Dawn News, the petition seeks to block Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) scheduled nationwide protest on September 27.

A citizen named Waqas Ahmed filed the petition, claiming that the demonstration would disrupt routine life, commercial operations, and traffic flow in Islamabad.

Lack of Maintainability Under Article 199

During the proceedings before a larger IHC bench led by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, AG Utmankhel argued that the high court's extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 199 of the Constitution could not be invoked.

He emphasized that the petitioner had an adequate legal remedy available through the Islamabad chief commissioner before approaching the high court.

Procedural Flaws and Bench Questions

The Advocate General highlighted procedural shortcomings in the plea, pointing out that PTI was not even impleaded as a respondent despite the petition directly targeting its planned political activity.

In response, CJ Dogar inquired whether PTI was actually undertaking a long march and referenced political remarks attributed to KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. Utmankhel clarified that his office is strictly responsible for official legal duties rather than political narratives.

Background on PTI's Planned Demonstration

PTI announced the nationwide protest for September 27 to mobilize public support for constitutional supremacy and press for the release of party founder Imran Khan. The bench, which also includes Justice Muhammad Azam Khan and Justice Muhammad Asif, continues to hear the matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the KP AG challenge the petition against the PTI protest?

He argued that alternative legal remedies exist via the Islamabad chief commissioner and PTI was not named as a respondent.

What is the main objective of PTI's Sept 27 protest?

PTI announced nationwide protests to demand the release of party founder Imran Khan and advocate for constitutional supremacy.

Who is leading the IHC bench hearing the petition?

Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar is leading the larger bench.