*ISLAMABAD – The Islamabad High Court has summoned Defence SecretaryZamir-ul-Hassan Shah and Inter-Services Intelligence chief, Lt. Gen. NaveedMukhtar, on July 4 in a case pertaining to blockade of a road outside theagency’s headquarters in the federal capital.*

In the previous hearing on July 22, the court had directed ISI and CapitalDevelopment Authority to clear a two-kilometre portion ofKhayaban-e-Suharwardy in front of ISI headquarters in a week.

Due to security concerns, a portion of the road was closed for public fewyears ago.

Hearing a petition against the encroachment on public land on Friday,Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui sought a report on the implementation of thecourt’s orders.

Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mohammad Younus Khan told the courtthat consultation is required about the issue. He appealed the court togrant more time.

At this, Justice Siddiqui said roads are constructed to facilitate thepublic, so the blockade is illegal. What type of consultation is requiredfor an illegal act?

The court orders should be implemented at all cost, he said.

Younus Khan and Deputy Attorney General Arshad Kayani called it a‘sensitive matter’, appealing the judge to conduct next hearing in hischamber.

However, Justice Siddiqui rejected the request.

The hearing will be held an open court, and if any sensitive matter comesup, the media representatives would be asked not to publish it, he said.

Meanwhile, the court issued notices to Lt. Gen. Naveed Mukhtar and DefenceSecretary Zamir-ul-Hassan Shah to personally appear in the next hearing onJuly 4.