Islamabad, 14 September, 2026 (Nosheen): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ruled that no political party or public office-holder has the authority to block roads in Islamabad, while disposing of a petition filed against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s possible long march and protest scheduled for September 27. A three-member larger bench headed by IHC Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar announced the reserved verdict and issued directions to the relevant authorities. The bench, comprising Justice Azam Khan and Justice Asif, heard the case in the presence of Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Malik, the Prosecutor General, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and the KP Inspector General of Police. During the hearing, the court was shown videos of PTI protests held in 2022 and 2024. The Islamabad Advocate General argued that previous protests had resulted in violence, destruction and the blocking of roads, while expressing concerns over a possible repeat of such incidents. He maintained that no protest could be held without prior permission from a magistrate and urged the court to direct authorities to take preventive measures. The petitioner’s counsel also raised concerns over statements regarding bringing large numbers of people to Islamabad for the proposed protest. During the proceedings, the court summoned the KP Inspector General of Police and directed him to read out his affidavit. Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar asked whether the police would stop and disperse protesters if an illegal or unconstitutional gathering took place. The KP IG assured the court that any illegal action or advance from the province would be stopped at all costs. After the KP Advocate General submitted a written report, the court reserved its verdict and later announced the decision, issuing directions to the authorities and disposing of the petition.