Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Interior Secretary Capt. (R) Muhammad Khurram Agha on Sunday said that on November 21, Islamabad High Court (IHC) had issued directives to the federal government to maintain law and order in the federal capital at any cost.Addressing a press conference here at the Press Information Department (PID), the Secretary said the High Court also directed the Minister for Interior to engage the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leadership regarding the maintenance of law and order.He further said that because of the visit of the Belarusian president and a high-level Chinese delegation, as well as the law and order situation in Kurram, the PTI was repeatedly asked to postpone its protest.The Secretary said that the High Court had upheld the right to protest while emphasizing the need to adhere to legal requirements. He mentioned that in the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, it was clearly written that protesters were required to submit an application at least seven days in advance, and after that, the District Magistrate would designate a suitable location for the demonstration. The PTI leadership was repeatedly informed about this legal requirement, but no application was submitted.The court also emphasized the need to protect people’s lives and property during protest, particularly with the ongoing visit of the Belarusian President and the presence of key government buildings and embassies in the Red Zone. In the light of these security concerns, a comprehensive security plan was devised and implemented to ensure public safety, he added.
