Incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan’s PTI has encountered a significant setback ahead of its planned protest on November 24, as the Islamabad High Court ruled that no protests or rallies violating a recent law on public gatherings would be permitted over the weekend due to the visit of the Belarusian president.

The PTI founder had issued a “final call” for the protest for the “restoration” of democracy and judiciary. He condemned what he referred to as a stolen mandate, the unjust arrests of individuals, and the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he claims has bolstered a “dictatorial regime.”

Since Khan’s arrest in August 2023 on multiple charges, the PTI has organised protests nationwide advocating for his release and opposing the alleged rigging of the February 8 elections.

On Thursday, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq oversaw the hearing of a petition filed by a local resident, who sought to declare the protest illegal. The petition requested that the federal government, Islamabad chief commissioner, district magistrate, and police be ordered to prevent the PTI from holding the protest and to ensure peace in the capital.

In its ruling, the court cited the recently enacted Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024. This law requires anyone wishing to organise an assembly in Islamabad to submit a written application to the district magistrate at least seven days prior to the event.

The court’s order noted that no such application had been filed by the PTI. The IHC was informed about the importance of protecting the Belarusian president and his delegation of over 60 people, who are scheduled to arrive on the same day.

While there had been some communication with PTI leadership, the court was informed that no formal engagement had taken place.

It added that the PTI has the right to freedom of movement and assembly under the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, of 2024. But the court emphasised that any such activities must comply with the law and recommended the formation of a committee, preferably led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, to engage with PTI leadership regarding the sensitive nature of the upcoming weekend due to the Belarusian president’s visit.

The court directed that the committee should also include the Islamabad chief commissioner and any other individuals deemed necessary by Naqvi.

The ruling expressed optimism that formal engagement could lead to progress. But if no resolution is achieved, it stressed that maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the federal government and its agencies, ensuring minimal disruption to citizens’ daily lives while adhering to the 2024 Act.

The court explicitly stated that no protests, rallies, or sit-ins would be permitted if the party violated the Act, underscoring the importance of compliance with legal regulations during politically sensitive times.

The court added that it anticipates the PTI leadership would consider the factors presented by the interior minister during the hearing and engage in constructive dialogue with the newly formed committee. The court has instructed state respondents to submit a report before the next hearing on November 27.

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Outside the court, Naqvi told reporters that there would be no negotiations with the PTI as long as the party continues to “hurl threats.” Negotiations cannot occur under such circumstances, he said and added: “Threatening us and then asking to come to the table is unacceptable.”

When questioned about a potential deadline for negotiations, Naqvi clarified, “There need to be negotiations for there to be a deadline. Since there are no negotiations, there is no deadline.”

He said: “The chief justice called the secretary, the chief commissioner, the inspector general of police, and myself. We will enforce his order.”