IHC seeks response over Peshawar motorway closure

The Islamabad High Court has sought responses from senior government officials over the closure of the Peshawar Motorway ahead of a planned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf protest in Islamabad.

Justice Muhammad Asif issued notices to the interior secretary, communications secretary, Islamabad chief commissioner and other concerned authorities while hearing a petition challenging the closure.

The petition was filed by Advocate Mian Shafqat Jan, who argued that the motorway had been blocked without a formal notification, official order or clear explanation from the authorities.

During the hearing, the lawyer told the court that he had entered the motorway from the Islamabad Toll Plaza but found the route blocked near Attock Bridge. He questioned the legality of restricting public movement without providing a specific justification.

The counsel also raised concerns about the impact of road closures on ambulances, funeral processions, students and other citizens. He referred to previous court decisions regarding restrictions on routes connecting Islamabad with other parts of the country.

Justice Asif remarked that authorities could not block access to Islamabad from either direction.

The petitioner’s lawyer maintained that citizens’ fundamental rights must be protected and that government authorities were equally bound to follow the law.

The petition seeks a declaration that road closures without a formal notification, order or stated reasons are unlawful.

The court had previously observed that political parties have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly and political dissent. At the same time, citizens are entitled to fundamental rights including freedom of movement, life, liberty and dignity.

The PTI had initially planned a march towards Islamabad for September 27. The party later postponed the protest until October 4 following the detention of several party leaders, elected representatives and supporters.