Supreme Court reserves verdict in Faizabad sit-in case

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on the suo motu case related to the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP) sit-in protest at Islamabad’s Faizabad Interchange last year. 

Justice Qazi Faez Esa, who was part of the bench that heard the case in the capital, remarked that everyone seemed helpless here.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) protested in Islamabad, alleging rigging in the 2013 elections and sought a probe into to the matter but their claim turned out to be incorrect, he said and questioned did they offer any apology afterwards?

He said public property is vandalized during protests here and it is the public which bear the brunt of damage at the end of the day.

The Attorney General told the judge that everyone has the right to protest, but action could be taken in a situation where threats are extended and people are provoked.

Justice Esa recalled that the bench had earlier directed the government to apprise it of what measures should be taken to deal with protests.

The AG informed that a large number of people were killed in the 12 May mayhem in Karachi. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) created law and order situation there, he added.

He said no court ruling was on record with regard to protests.