There were protests outside the Supreme Court on Monday by lawyers and members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in anticipation of the hearing of the PTI’s petition against the postponement of the Punjab elections.
The nation stands with the Constitution and was chanted by demonstrators as they carried banners and placards in support of the law and the Constitution.
Additionally present, PTI leader Hammad Azhar emphasised the value of upholding the Constitution by declaring that “forces against the Constitution would fail.”
To ensure the security of those entering the building, strict security measures were put in place, and Islamabad police personnel were deployed outside the court. Before being allowed entry, lawyers and journalists had to undergo screening for admission to the supreme court.
The Supreme Court’s top court required permission from the SC administration before anyone could enter, but lawyers were allowed in without restriction. To avoid affecting traffic, lawyers were asked not to park in front of the Supreme Court or block roads.
The police spokesperson warned the public of the threat of terrorism in Islamabad and the danger of criminals breaking into the location dressed as attorneys. As a result, lawyers were warned to watch out for unauthorised people who were nearby dressed in business attire.
As people entered the court, they were advised to be patient and work with the police while the police were also reminded to be courteous while conducting their checks. The public was urged to call the emergency number, 15, to report any suspicious activity.
Lawyers and police officers clashed when lawyers were denied entry into the court because entry into the court premises required permission from the Supreme Court Registrar.
The administration was making preparations to maintain a peaceful environment, so the chief justice advised the attorneys to let the case go forward and avoid causing trouble for the administration.
Shoaib Shaheen, the former president of the Islamabad High Court Bar, complained about the road closures to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, adding that he was not permitted to bring attorneys to the court for cases.
The torture of PTI leaders and supporters during the party’s rally on May 25 was referred to as the “May 25 incident,” and the chief justice warned Shaheen not to bring it up. Shaheen was also reminded that he shared some of the blame because he had initiated the case.
Justice Bandial insisted that only his organisation would receive orders from him.
The demonstrations and the security measures served as a reminder of how crucial it is to uphold the Constitution and the law in all circumstances.
The general public was urged to be on guard and to report any suspicious behaviour to the police. The Pakistani Chief Justice emphasised the importance of upholding calm and allowing the court to continue its business.
