IHC bars arrest, harassment of PTI leaders ahead of protest
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday restrained authorities from harassing or arresting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders ahead of the party’s planned September 27 protest.
A single bench of Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas heard the petition filed by PTI leaders Malik Amir Ali, Shoaib Shaheen and others against alleged harassment.
During the hearing, lawyers Shoaib Shaheen and Riasat Azad appeared before the court on behalf of the petitioners.
Shoaib Shaheen told the court that arrests and raids had allegedly resumed ahead of the planned march. He claimed that raids were being conducted at the homes of PTI workers and that cash and other belongings were allegedly taken during some operations.
Shaheen further claimed that he was unwell and that his family was being subjected to harassment. He alleged that women and children were also being taken away during some raids. He said the petitioners were ready to submit affidavits and CCTV footage to support their claims.
The lawyer requested the court to restrain authorities from harassing or arresting the petitioners and sought an early hearing of the case.
Justice Minhas said the court would summon the SSP Operations to seek an explanation regarding the allegations.
The court subsequently summoned the Islamabad SSP Operations in person and directed authorities not to harass or arrest Shoaib Shaheen, Malik Amir Ali and other PTI leaders. The hearing was then adjourned.
In August, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced plans to hold a march on 27th September in Islamabad for the release of Imran Khan. The party had been preparing a central convoy from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with caravans from other parts of the country expected to join before proceeding towards the federal capital.
Under a preliminary strategy, the party planned to bring workers from across the country to K-P at least five days before the march. The main convoy was expected to remain at the Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border for two to three days before moving towards Islamabad once other caravans had assembled.
The PTI had also planned protests and shutdowns in several major cities, including Lahore, Karachi, Hyderabad and Quetta, as well as demonstrations along important national highways.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026