PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has barred the use of public funds, official vehicles, machinery and other state resources for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned march to Islamabad on September 27, following directions from the Islamabad High Court.
KP Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah has directed the provincial police chief, administrative secretaries, commissioners, deputy commissioners and heads of government institutions to ensure that no official resource is used to facilitate the march, rally or procession heading towards the federal capital.
The directive also prohibits government employees from participating in the march or providing assistance or facilitation to its participants.
Officials have been instructed not to comply with any order requiring them to use government resources for the protest.
Any employee who is pressured or compelled to provide such assistance has been directed to immediately inform the chief secretary or the inspector general of police.
Court Directions
The KP directive follows an Islamabad High Court ruling on September 14 concerning the PTI’s planned September 27 protest and long march.
A larger IHC bench directed provincial governments to ensure that government machinery and resources were not used for political rallies, marches or protests. The court also ruled that government employees could not be compelled to participate in such activities.
The court further held that political parties and public office holders had no authority to block roads or obstruct citizens’ movement in Islamabad, and directed authorities to protect access to business, education, healthcare and other essential services.
The IHC had earlier sought affidavits from the KP chief secretary and inspector general confirming that government machinery would not be used for the PTI protest. Both officials subsequently submitted assurances to the court.
Public Services
The KP chief secretary’s latest instructions state that no permission will be granted for participation in any march or procession whose purpose or outcome would obstruct the peaceful and lawful use of public roads, businesses, educational institutions, medical facilities or property in Islamabad.
The directive also seeks to ensure that provincial government employees are not used to facilitate activities that could disrupt public life in the federal capital.
Police authorities have been instructed to act in accordance with court orders and the law in the event of unlawful gatherings or activity.
September 27 March
The PTI has announced a nationwide protest and march to Islamabad for September 27, seeking the release of its founder, Imran Khan, and calling for what it describes as constitutional and democratic rights.
The proposed march has become the subject of proceedings before the Islamabad High Court after a citizen petition raised concerns about possible disruption to traffic, businesses and routine life in the capital.
During earlier hearings, the KP Advocate General also questioned the IHC’s jurisdiction over provincial matters, while the court sought assurances from provincial officials regarding the non-use of government machinery.
