The Supreme Court ruled that democracy recognized the right to assemble and protest and it was through democratic means that Pakistan achieves these rights including the right to form associations or unions. According to Article 17(1), a political party or its member had the right to assemble and protest provided such assembly and protest was peaceful and compiled with the law imposing reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order. It was held these rights circumscribed only to the extent that they did not infringe on the fundamental rights of others, including their right to free movement to hold and enjoy property. The protestors who obstructed people’s right to use roads and damaged or destroyed property must be proceeded against in accordance with the law and shall be held accountable.
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