'Islamabad protesters have political agenda to fulfill' - rules SC in detailed verdict
- By Web Desk -
- Nov 24, 2017
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday released its detailed judgment of Thursday’s hearing on a petition concerning Islamabad protest.
Citing a report submitted by the country’s premier intelligence agency, the judgment states that the protesters have some ‘political motives’.
It says Tehreek Labaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLYRA) leadership has resorted to delivering provocative speeches through ‘social media’ for exploiting the situation gaining political mileage ahead of ‘General Elections 2018’.
According to the court ruling, the report submitted by the intelligence agency concluded that the normal life in twin-cities stood paralyzed due to the protest at Faizabad Interchange, particularly for those visiting the two cities on daily basis.
It also says that another report submitted by Ministry of Interior did not detract from the previous one but contained additional information with regard to ‘Section 144’ violation.
Citing the report, the judgment reveals the protesters did not obtain the requisite permission from the district administration for taking out a rally or staging a sit-in and repeatedly violated the promises made by them to disperse and to relocate to the designated protest area in Islamabad, namely, the Democracy Park and Speech Corner.
Referring to Islamabad High Court (IHC) rulings on the matter, the verdict says it had no impact on the protesters.
The apex court’s order commends the government’s stance of exercising restraint to avoid loss of life by using force to disperse the protesters. However, it states that “baton wielding or even unarmed law enforcement personnel, if they are sufficient in numbers, can undertake such an exercise as is often undertaken in many civilized countries of the world and without any loss of life.”
Moreover, it concludes that “force and violence (jabr) has no place in Islam. It further states that “the protestors are directed to abide by the stipulations of the Holy Quran and to emulate the exemplary conduct of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him), and to also abide by the Constitution of Pakistan and the law.”
The detailed judgment on the petition was issued a day later. The top court will resume hearing on the petition on November 30 (Thursday).
Earlier, the court directed the authorities concerned to probe elements funding Islamabad sit-in.
Read the complete judgement below:
