Sanaullah calls for ending practice of taking protests to Islamabad

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said on Saturday that peaceful protest is a constitutional and legal right, but called for an end to the practice of holding long marches and demonstrations in Islamabad.

His remarks came as PTI postponed its planned march to Islamabad, seeking the release of its founder Imran Khan, from September 27 to October 4. Jamaat-i-Islami has also delayed its planned Islamabad march against the petroleum levy following a request from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Speaking on a private news channel, Sanaullah said people could hold protests in cities including Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Karachi, Peshawar and Multan, but demonstrations in Islamabad without prior permission were prohibited under the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024.

Sanaullah alleged that PTI’s planned march could involve attempts to reach Adiala Jail and free Imran Khan, questioning whether such an action could be considered peaceful.

He said permission for a long march would not be granted if its purpose was to challenge law enforcement or move towards D-Chowk.

The adviser said most roads in Islamabad remained open, while containers had been placed at road corners as a security precaution. He added that PTI had not applied to the Islamabad administration for permission to hold a gathering or provided details about its timing and duration.

He said PTI should approach the Islamabad High Court and provide the required guarantees. Meanwhile, Section 144 remains in force in Islamabad, while Punjab has imposed restrictions on gatherings until October 5.

The federal government has also approved Rangers deployment in Islamabad and several Punjab districts until October 5.