Two Pakistani courts have taken separate actions to protect the rights of protesters in the country. The Supreme Court asked the government not to use harsh tactics against Baloch protesters, while the Islamabad High Court barred police from using force to disperse demonstrators outside the National Press Club.
During a hearing on enforced disappearance, Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa emphasized the right to protest and urged the government not to curtail this right unless protesters resort to violence or destruction of public property. The court also appointed a senior counsel to assist with the case.
The court also sought a report on the working of the Commission of Enquiry on Enforced Disappearances and expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of the commission, questioning the regular emoluments received by its members.
In a separate hearing, the Islamabad High Court summoned the Islamabad deputy commissioner and senior police official after a Baloch protester filed a petition stating that the police and district administration were intimidating peaceful protesters without reason.
Both the Supreme Court and the Islamabad High Court have taken steps to protect the rights of protesters and ensure they are not subjected to harsh measures by the authorities.