The Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench has dismissed a petition by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) requesting the court to take suo motu notice of fatalities during the party’s recent protests.
A five-member bench, led by Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, was addressing a separate case concerning the Climate Change Authority when the Additional Advocate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa raised concerns about the Islamabad protests and subsequent operations. Highlighting the casualties on both sides, he urged the bench to take suo motu action.
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Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan clarified that the court could only address matters formally brought before it, stating, “This issue is not under our purview.” Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel echoed this, emphasizing the court’s reluctance to engage in political matters. Justice Musarrat Hilali also advised the K-P government’s representative not to introduce political topics in the Supreme Court.
In a related development, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition concerning FATA’s integration into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), filed by PTI’s founder. Lawyer Babar Awan confirmed that the matter had already been resolved by the K-P Provincial Assembly, rendering further judicial involvement unnecessary.
Meanwhile, clashes in Islamabad between security forces and PTI protesters have left 10 dead and 71 injured, according to reports from the city’s three major hospitals. Among the deceased are six civilians and four security personnel. Injuries were treated at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Poly Clinic, and CDA Hospital.
PIMS reported 27 injured police officers and 14 civilians, along with seven fatalities—four security personnel and three civilians. Poly Clinic confirmed three deaths and 28 injuries, while CDA Hospital treated two civilians for injuries caused by gunfire and tear gas exposure.
PTI accused security forces of excessive violence, claiming unarmed protesters were met with gunfire. A PTI spokesperson stated, “Security forces unleashed bullets on peaceful demonstrators, injuring hundreds.”
Following a late-night operation by security forces, PTI announced the suspension of its protest. The party stated it would issue further guidance after consulting with its detained leader, Imran Khan, and the core committee.
