ISLAMABAD: The business community on Wednesday filed a contempt petition against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for “violating” the court’s November 21 order.
The IHC had last week termed PTI’s “do or die” protest as “illegal” and directed the federal government not to allow the former ruling party to hold a show of power in the federal capital.
IHC Chief Justice Aamir Farooq issued the order while hearing a petition filed by traders, who expressed concern over possible disruption due to protests.
In a five-page judgement, the IHC top judge had noted that learned counsel for the petitioner had argued that life in the federal capital comes to a complete standstill whenever there is any political activity, protest or dharna.
In defiance of the IHC order, the former ruling party staged its protest in the federal capital amid clashes with law enforcers and incidents of firing. During the fierce clashes, 5 security personnel including 3 Rangers jawans were martyred.
The PTI, however, claimed that at least eight of its supporters were killed during clashes with law enforcers.
In a fresh petition, traders of Jinnah Supermarket (Sector F-7) urged the IHC to initiate contempt of court proceedings against the former ruling party for staging protests in the capital, suspending daily life and business.
Chief Justice Farooq will hear the petition on Thursday (tomorrow), according to the cause list issued by the Registrar’s Office of the IHC. The petitioners impleaded the Secretary, Ministry of Interior and others.