SC directs govt to provide alternate site to PTI for Azadi March

Islamabad: Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday directed the administration of the federal capital to provide an alternate site to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold its long march.

According to details, Supreme Court was hearing a petition against the closure of roads and highways and arrests of political workers ahead of the long march.

During the hearing, Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan remarked that PTI should lodge its protest and go back while government should devise a traffic plan for long march venue. We would also seek assurances from the PTI, he added.

The court further remarked that it hopes the government will reopen roads and lift blockages.

The apex court also directed the Islamabad deputy commissioner to prepare a traffic plan for the long march so it could reach the venue easily.

The top court also directed the interior secretary and police to review their policies about the closure of roads as such moves are creating inconvenience for common people.

Justice Ahsan remarked, “Let them protest and then go home," adding that the court would seek assurance from the PTI that there would be no violence in the protest.

At the outset of the hearing, the court said that the government should find a solution to handle the matter.

Justice Ahsan also directed the PTI lawyer to ask it a party to hold negotiations with the officials to resolve the issues.