PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Thursday has issued notices to the Inspector General of Police (IG) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Mansehra for contempt of court in connection with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s attempt to hold a workers’ convention in Mansehra.
A two-member bench of the PHC, comprising Justice Ejaz Anwar and Justice SM Atiq Shah, heard the contempt petition filed by PTI against the administration for not allowing the party to hold the convention despite court orders.
During the hearing, PTI’s lawyer, Shah Faisal Atman Khel Advocate, informed the court that the party had applied for permission to hold the convention but was denied. He further stated that the administration had even dismantled the stage and removed chairs set up for the event.
In response, Assistant Attorney General (AAG) Daniyal Chamkani explained that the DC had sought verification from the District Police Officer (DPO), who did not grant permission.
Justice Ijaz Anwar questioned the rationale behind this decision, pointing out that the convention was not intended to be held on a public road but within a closed compound. He emphasized that the court had previously allowed PTI to hold a convention or meeting in a closed venue.
The court issued notices to the IG and DC Mansehra, seeking their responses and adjourning the hearing until November 21.
