President SCBAP condemns lockdowns & blockades of major highways, motorways

ISLAMABAD, Nov 23 (EPI) : Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta President Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) has said that Article 15 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 (the Constitution), deals with the “Freedom of Movement” and states that every citizen is entitled to move freely within the territorial limits of the country.

Today, once again, we are witnessing unprecedented lockdowns and blockades of major highways, motorways, and adjoining intersections, particularly those leading to the Federal Capital. The Federal Capital itself has been completely cordoned off, surrounded by huge walls of containers on all sides, as though it were some sort of war zone. Needless to say, all hotels, hostels, and public transport points have been closed. It has also been reported that all modes of communication are set to be halted any time now.

Democratic societies do not operate in such a manner. They are meant to facilitate the basic fundamental rights and their smooth exercise and dispensation to the public at large, rather than to curtail them on one pretext or another. Understandably, security and safety of the public at large is the foremost priority of any administration; however, sealing of the roads and entry/exit points is not the solution.

All those in positions of authority must immediately open all roads and remove all blockades, allowing everyone to move freely. In this regard, yesterday’s order passed by the Honorable Islamabad High Court, Islamabad, was very welcoming which directed the local administration to ensure law and order with minimal disruption to the lives of ordinary citizens.

On the other hand, we strongly denounce all marches, sit-ins, and protests being announced by a political party. Recurring attempts to take over the Federal Capital and disrupt the daily lives of its citizens under the pretext of fulfilling so-called political agendas are of no service to the country or its people.

Such unnecessary and repeated protests and rallies are only contributing to severe economic losses in a country already grappling with a deep economic crisis. Article 16 of the Constitution undoubtedly deals with Freedom of Assembly, however, this Article must not be used with absolute impunity or on political whims.

The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa appears to be backing marches, rallies, and protests, aimed at the Federal Capital, including one announced for November 24, 2024. The provincial government, rather to needlessly drain tax payer money, must take the prevailing security situation into consideration, especially since, just a day ago, its province was targeted by terrorists, resulting in the loss of numerous precious lives.

We also call upon the political party to review their protest call for tomorrow in light of the overall law and order situation. All the relevant parties to this issue are hereby call upon to let the better sense prevail by way of talks and dialogue to avoid unnecessary sensation and waste of valuable time, money, and resources.

The SCBAP shall continue to lend its support for upholding basic fundamental rights and adherence to the rule of law and the Constitution.

Ends-Exact Press International-