SECTION 144 IMPOSED IN PUNJAB AND ISLAMABAD AHEAD OF PTI PROTESTS
In response to planned nationwide protests by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Punjab Home Department and Islamabad’s local administration have enforced Section 144 across the province and the federal capital. This legal measure restricts public gatherings to maintain order and prevent potential disturbances.
WHAT IS SECTION 144?
Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure allows district administrations to prohibit the assembly of four or more people in a specified area for a limited period. This measure is typically used to prevent unrest, maintain law and order, and avert activities that could lead to violence.
GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES TO BAN PTI
PLANNED PTI PROTESTS
PTI leader Asad Qaiser announced nationwide protests scheduled for Friday, July 26, demanding the release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan. The opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), led by PkMAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai and supported by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, also plans significant protests for the same cause.
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
Anticipating these protests, the Punjab Home Department issued an order stating that political gatherings could be soft targets for terrorists and miscreants due to the current law and order situation. The order emphasized that such gatherings posed serious security threats and could disrupt public peace and order.
SECURITY MEASURES IN PUNJAB
The Punjab government has prohibited all political assemblies, gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, demonstrations, and similar activities from July 26-28 to ensure public safety. This decision aims to prevent disturbances and protect lives and property.
SECTION 144 ENFORCED IN ISLAMABAD
The Islamabad district administration also enforced Section 144, prohibiting rallies and protests. A press release stated that violations of this order would not be tolerated and warned of strict action against lawbreakers. Islamabad police have been deployed to enforce this measure, especially in light of ongoing Muharram processions.
REACTIONS FROM POLITICAL LEADERS
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, called for nationwide participation in the peaceful protests. The PTI’s demands include the release of incarcerated leaders and supporters, peace, and a protest against inflation, with the ultimate goal of fair and transparent elections.
JAMAAT-I-ISLAMI SIT-IN
Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) also plans a sit-in on July 26 in Islamabad, demanding lower electricity tariffs, the withdrawal of the slab system for power tariffs, and a review of agreements with independent power producers. Despite Section 144, JI leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman affirmed that their protest at D-Chowk would proceed as planned.
