Security has been heightened outside the Supreme Court in anticipation of a possible protest by lawyers, leading to significant road closures and a partial suspension of the metro bus service between Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Restricted Access and Traffic Disruptions
A heavy police presence has been deployed within the Supreme Court premises, with only Margalla Road remaining open for access to the court. The closure of entry points to the Red Zone has resulted in severe traffic congestion, particularly at Kashmir Chowk. Several key areas, including Serena Chowk, Nadra Chowk, Marriott Hotel, Express Chowk, and T-Cross Bari Imam, have been sealed, while the Jinnah Underpass has been blocked with containers.
As a precaution, metro bus services have been partially suspended. According to metro authorities, operations between Faiz Ahmed Faiz Station and Pak Secretariat have been halted, while buses continue to run between Rawalpindi Saddar Station and Faiz Ahmed Faiz Station.
Impact on Legal Proceedings
The restrictions have caused significant difficulties for lawyers and litigants, many of whom are struggling to reach the Islamabad High Court. In response, the Islamabad High Court Bar Association has urged judges to avoid issuing adverse rulings in cases where legal representatives and litigants are unable to attend due to roadblocks.
In a statement, Bar Association President Riyasat Ali Azad highlighted the challenges faced by legal professionals, emphasizing that restricted access to the court is preventing timely attendance.
Protest Against 26th Constitutional Amendment
Lawyers from across the country had previously announced plans to march to Islamabad on February 10 in protest against the 26th Constitutional Amendment. They have also demanded the immediate cancellation of today’s scheduled Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) meeting and called for a halt to new judicial appointments until the case regarding the amendment is resolved. Additionally, they have insisted that the senior-most judge of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) be appointed as its Chief Justice.
The ongoing situation continues to cause disruptions, with authorities closely monitoring developments.
