The Islamabad High Court has issued important directions regarding the participation of government employees in any march or protest heading towards the federal capital, ordering senior officials to ensure that their subordinate staff do not take part in such demonstrations.
The court directed the chief secretaries of the provinces, the Chief Commissioner Islamabad and the inspectors general of police to immediately establish helplines so that complaints or information regarding the involvement of government employees can be reported and acted upon without delay.
The directions came during proceedings related to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s proposed march towards Islamabad on September 27.
Government officials told to prevent staff participation
The Islamabad High Court made it clear that government officers would be responsible for ensuring that employees working under their supervision do not participate in any march or protest travelling towards Islamabad.
Following the court’s directions, provincial chief secretaries and police chiefs are also expected to ensure implementation of the order within their respective departments and jurisdictions.
Use of government resources also under scrutiny
The possible use of government machinery and public resources in connection with the proposed September 27 protest has also remained under discussion during previous hearings of the case.
The Islamabad High Court has earlier observed that government machinery and public resources cannot be used for political rallies, demonstrations or processions.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary had also assured the court that government resources or machinery would not be used for any political gathering.
PTI announces September 27 Islamabad march
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has announced plans to march towards Islamabad on September 27, while legal proceedings concerning the proposed protest are continuing before the Islamabad High Court.
Concerns raised before the court include the possible impact on routine life in the federal capital, traffic movement, business activity and the potential use of government resources.
The participation of public employees, use of state machinery and the responsibilities of administrative authorities have now emerged as key issues in the ongoing proceedings.
Under the latest directions, senior provincial and Islamabad authorities will be required not only to prevent subordinate government employees from participating in the protest but also to establish immediate helplines for receiving complaints and information related to any violation.