The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday sought replies from the ministry of interior and other respondents in a petition seeking a ban on the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), a private TV channel reported.
The court also issued notices to PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen and lawmakers Mohsin Javed (Dawar) and Ali Wazir.
Presiding the hearing, Justice Amir Farooq directed all the institutions concerned to ensure that all rules and regulations are implemented in the matter. The hearing was subsequently adjourned until June 3.
Hearing another related petition seeking to delete and block social media accounts of PTM member Gulalai Ismail, the court sought replies from Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA), Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and the ministry of interior.
Giving his remarks in the case, Justice Amir Farooq said it is necessary for PEMRA to take appropriate action if anybody talks against religion, the state or its institutions.
The court proceedings came a day after three people were killed and five soldiers injured in a clash between security forces and PTM protesters in North Waziristan.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a group led by Mohsin Javed and Ali Wazir assaulted the Kharqamar checkpost in Boyya area of North Waziristan tribal district on Sunday morning. “They wanted to exert pressure for the release of suspected terrorists’ facilitator arrested the other day. Troops at the checkpost exercised maximum restraint in the face of provocation and direct firing on the post,” said the Pakistan Army’s media wing. Five soldiers were injured due to firing by the group, the ISPR added. Three individuals, who attacked the checkpost, lost their lives and 10 others got injured, who were later taken to an army hospital for treatment, said the military’s media wing. MNA Ali Wazir along with eight others was arrested while Mohsin Javed was still at large, it added.
