Islamabad High Court says Imran won't be allowed to shut down Islamabad on Nov. 2

Islamabad [Pakistan], Oct. 27 (ANI): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday ordered the capital administration not to allow a shutdown of the city on November 2 during the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI)'s proposed lockdown on November 2. Government authorities have been directed by the court to follow all legally available courses to stop the protest in any part of the capital other than the designated "Democracy Park and Speech Corner," reports the Dawn. The space has been designated by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in 2014 for political activities such as sit-ins and protests. The directions were issued by the court while hearing four petitions, seeking the PTI to withdraw its decision to lockdown Islamabad. The petitions had also sought an immediate arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan who has been declared absconder by an anti-terrorist court. While hearing the case, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, issued orders to summon PTI Chief Imran Khan in person on October 31 and also directed PEMRA authorities to produce records of Khan's speeches in which he had announced plans to shut down Islamabad on November 2. Justice Siddiqui in his remarks has expressed displeasure over Imran Khan's announcements and the administration's behaviour. The judge questioned that under which law Imran Khan has been announcing plans to shut down Islamabad on Nov 2. He remarked that "Only Judiciary is the third umpire," He further stated that the government has been paralysed and the administration and police are busy in only holding meetings. The capital city administration has been directed by Justice Siddiqui to ensure smooth running of daily business in Islamabad on November 2 and hospital, schools, markets will remain open on the day. He added that no container should be placed on roads on November 2. Justice Siddiqui said that they will not let rights violation of any citizen happen. (ANI)