Supreme Court on Thursday redirected civil and military agencies to submit a report over the government steps, however tangible, to ensure fundamental rights of the people of the twin cities, who have been facing hardships due to the sit-in of Tehreek Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLYR) at Faizabad Interchange for the last 18 days.
Submitting a report on behalf of Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) before a two-member bench of Justice Qazi Faez Isa in pursuance of the Supreme Court's earlier directives in the matter, Colonel Falk Naz (retd) produced information pertaining to the background of protesters and recommendations to resolve the issue.
During the course of proceedings, the bench raised a number of questions about the sit-in which the government apparently failed to consider, as Justice Qazi Faez Isa observed that loyalty to the state is the basic duty of every citizen under Article 5 of the Constitution, saying the court would have to ensure implementation on the constitutional provision in letter and spirit.
The bench said that it is against bloodshed and intended that the issue should be resolved peacefully, adding that the court is only concerned about free movement enshrined in the Constitution and the death of a child due to the sit in. Submitting a report in this regard, Advocate General Islamabad informed the court that 8-year-old child died due to the Faizabad sit-in, saying a total of 18 FIRs have been registered whereas as many as 159 protesters have been arrested so far.
Justice Qazi Faez Isa asked whether the protest area has been cordoned off well. Justice Qazi said that protesters can come out of sit-in venue but should not be allowed to enter again, adding if the area is really cordoned off then how people are allowed to rejoin protesters.
He asked from where electricity is being supplied to the protesters' venue and why it is not disconnected. He also asked: Who has provided loudspeakers to the leaders of TLYR? Wherefrom is food being supplied to them and who is bearing food expenses for protestors?
Attorney General for Pakistan Ashtar Ali Ausaf also submitted a report on behalf of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in a sealed envelope; however, the bench expressed dismay over the report. Justice Qazi Faez Isa said the agencies termed the report a secret document but except four names that have already appeared in media, there is nothing new in the report.
He further questioned whether the agencies have tried to find out the source of livelihood of the leaders of the TLYR and the businesses or jobs they do. He remarked: "whether they run shops or get funding from foreign elements, whether someone is behind them or not, what their motives are and who is the beneficiary of the protest and what details authorities have about their bank accounts."
However, the AGP apprised the bench that the government is trying to resolve the issue through negotiations, saying tangible measures that the government has taken against protesters will be shared in the chamber. To which, Justice Qazi Faez Isal asked the AGP to submit information in writing but the AGP requested the court that written information would not be part of the record of the case.
During the adjudication of the matter, the bench asked the government to take steps to address the issue, observing that court requires original intelligence report instead of media account. Justice Qazi Faez Isa observed sensitive offices such as the GHQ have closed their eyes to the sit-in, saying who would be responsible if any worst scenario takes place.
Commenting over the protesters who used foul language against the Supreme Court, he said: "May Almighty Allah guide them and me. We greet them and give them the message of peace. However I am burdened due to the death of 8-year-old child. Our hearts are beating for the citizens of Pakistan."
Justice Qazi Faez Isa asked the authorities to become true servants of people. "I am raising finger at myself as well," Justice Qazi observed, adding that bloodshed is the biggest crime as it disturbs the social fabric and life. Responding to the court's query why the protesters messages are not being blocked on the social media, the AGP submitted that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is taking measures to stop the same. Later, hearing of the matter was adjourned till November 30.
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