IHC rules infringement of fundamental rights breaches Constitution ahead of PTI’s Sept 27 protest

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ruled that any activity infringing on citizens' fundamental rights amounts to a violation of the Constitution. This warning was issued in response to a petition concerning a planned nationwide protest by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, scheduled for September 27, 2026. The petitioner, Waqas Ahmed, argued that the protest could disrupt daily life, traffic, and business operations in Islamabad.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar ruled on September 14 after hearing various officials and counsel for the petitioner. The court emphasized that while political parties have the right to protest, such protests must not infringe upon the fundamental rights of other citizens. The bench rejected objections regarding the high court's jurisdiction over provincial authorities and the maintainability of the petition, noting that the petitioner had not filed an application under a specific act.

The court also cited earlier Supreme Court decisions regarding peaceful assembly and protests, as well as a previous protest in 2022 that led to damage and injuries. In the context of the upcoming protest, the IHC directed that no political party, leader, provincial government, or public office holder could obstruct roads, highways, or public places in a manner that hindered free movement or access to essential facilities in Islamabad.