ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court of Pakistan directs government to provide suitable spot to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for its long march.

Supreme Court was hearing a petition against the closure of roads and highways and arrests of political workers ahead of the long march. During the hearing, Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan remarked that PTI should lodge its protest and go back while government should devise a traffic plan for long march venue. We would also seek assurances from the PTI, he added.

The court further remarked that it hopes government will reopen roads and lift blockages. “If the PTI fears arrests, it should provide us with a list. We will protect those who fear arrests.” Justice Ahsan said political parties had their own interests but they were secondary to the country and the people.

He also observed that emergency had been imposed in all hospitals in the capital while schools and transport had been closed. The country was at a critical juncture economically and on the verge of bankruptcy, he remarked. “Will the country be shut down for every protest?” he asked.

All exams had been postponed, roads blocked and businesses closed, he observed. Attorney General Ausaf told the court he did not know the details and sought time to get information. At this, Justice Naqvi observed half of the Supreme Court’s staff had been unable to reach the premises because of barricades.

Attorney General Ausaf argued that the PTI had “threatened a bloody march”, adding that while he was against blocking roads, “unavoidable” steps had to be taken to protect the lives and properties of citizens.