Pakistan court allows opposition sit-in

A top court in Pakistan has given permission to opposition protesters to stage a highly-anticipated anti-government sit-in in the capital this week.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) announced on Monday that it gave the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Party permission to hold the sit-in on Wednesday, dismissing government orders banning the protest action.

Last week, the government had enforced administrative orders banning gatherings of more than five people in the capital, Islamabad, and the nearby city of Rawalpindi, prompting the arrest of many PTI supporters.

The IHC, however, said holding the PTI sit-in woulk be allowed provided that it is held near Islamabad’s Parade Ground in the capital’s “Democracy Park and Speech Corner.”

The IHC warned that the demonstration must not disrupt the daily life of citizens, media reported.

Earlier, PTI Chairman Imran Khan had warned that the October 2 demo would lead to the “shutdown” of the capital and force Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resign.

Meanwhile, security has been boosted in Islamabad as law enforcement personnel brace themselves for confronting PTI supporters flocking to the capital.

Khan, a former national cricketing hero, accuses Sharif and his family of corruption.

Khan has vowed to continue the anti-government protests until Sharif either resigns or submits himself for investigation.

SS