ISLAMABAD: The district administration and the local police have sought time from the court to explain their position on the ban on gatherings in public places.

An assistant commissioner and an inspector legal, representing the local administration and the Islamabad police, appeared before Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Athar Minallah on Thursday in response to a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) MNA Asad Umar.

Mr Umar has challenged the imposition of section 144 in Islamabad, which bans the assembly of more than five people in the federal capital.

On Nov 2, the IHC directed the chief commissioner and inspector general of Islamabad police (IGP) to nominate an authorised officer who would appear before the court on Nov 3.

The petition cited the Ministry of Interior, IGP Islamabad, chief commissioner and deputy commissioner as respondents.

In the petition, Mr Umar said the respondents had forced people to yield to government force and give up rights guaranteed by the Constitution. He said this was not only `illegal, but deprives citizens of the right to a free democracy and independent judiciary`.

He alleged that notifications issued just a few days prior to the protest provided clear evidence of the respondents` politicisation. Mr Umar said after the government`s orders, the IGP gave verbal orders to illegally arrest and detain PTI workers, voters and supporters.

On Oct 27, the district magistrate issued two notifications, exercising his powers under section 144 and imposing a prohibition on the gathering of five or more people and the use of loudspeakers in the capital for two months.

Mr Umar claimed that under the guise of the impugned notifications and orders from the respondents, the police began harassing and illegally arresting and detaining workers, members, af filiates and leaders of the PTI.-Staff Reporter