Peshawar High Court expressed strong displeasure while hearing petitions filed against the blocking of roads on the demand for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and summoned the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the IG Police in their personal capacity.
The hearing on the petition was conducted by a two-member bench comprising Justice Ijaz Anwar and Justice Farah Jamshed.
During the hearing, the court inquired how many FIRs have been registered so far against those who blocked the roads and what practical measures the provincial government has taken up to the fourth day.
Justice Ijaz Anwar remarked that it is the fourth day, major highways are blocked, the people of the province are facing difficulties, what action has the government taken so far?
He said that you yourself are saying that the roads have been blocked over the matter of the PTI founder’s treatment, yet the court has not declared you a political representative.
Advocate General Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shah Faisal took the stance that time is needed to compile the data and requested the court for leniency.
On this, the court remarked that if you have the desire, you can also go and sit with them, but citizens cannot be put in difficulties.
In the filed writ petition, it was stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has blocked the Motorway, GT Road, and other major highways, which is affecting the free movement of citizens.
The petition stated that under Article 15 of the Constitution, every citizen has the fundamental right of free movement, but in the present situation, this right has been suspended.
The petition was filed by Pakistan Muslim League-N member of the Provincial Assembly, Shoubiya Shahid, while another petition was also submitted by Tariq Afghan Advocate.
The parties included in the case are the provincial government, IG Police, PTI provincial president, and the National Highways Authority.
According to lawyers Barrister Huzifa Ahmed and Barrister Yaseen Raza, inter-provincial connectivity has been severely affected due to sit-ins at Anbar Interchange in Sawabi, near Attock Bridge on GT Road, and on Dera Ismail Khan Motorway.
Patients, lawyers, traders, and common citizens are facing travel difficulties, while the delivery of essential goods is also affected.
The court made it clear that protest is the right of every citizen, but the complete blockage of highways should not affect the fundamental rights of other citizens.
During the hearing, the Chief Secretary and IG were ordered to appear in person and submit a detailed report.
In the next hearing, the court will review the actions taken by the provincial government, the registered FIRs, and the progress regarding the restoration of roads, while citizens’ attention remains focused on this important case.
The court gave the following immediate directions:
Immediately restore law and order situation and take strict action against the culprits.
Make sure that no road be closed in KP and submit report by tomorrow that is 18 Feb 2026.
Also read: PTI protests: Are KP roads still closed?
