On Thursday, the Punjab Home Department and Islamabad’s local administration enforced Section 144 across the province and the federal capital, restricting public gatherings ahead of nationwide protests planned for Friday by Imran Khan’s PTI.
Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure allows district administrations to ban gatherings of four or more people in a specific area for a limited period. This measure is typically employed to prevent potential disturbances, maintain law and order, and avert activities that could lead to violence.
PTI leader Asad Qaiser announced nationwide protests on Friday (July 26) demanding the release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan. Mehmood Khan Achakzai, leader of PkMAP and the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), also called for a major protest on Friday for the same cause, supported by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
PTI reaffirmed its plan to hold nationwide protests on Friday under the TTAP banner.
Given the situation, the Punjab Home Department issued an order stating that any political gathering posed a “soft target” for terrorists and miscreants due to the current law and order situation and security threats.
The order indicated that such gatherings posed “serious security threats” and could disrupt public peace and order, causing inconvenience to the public.
The order stated, “[…] There are sufficient grounds to proceed under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, as an immediate prevention and speedy remedy, to prevent disturbances of public peace, safety to lives & property of the public, and tranquility in the province of Punjab.”
The home department emphasized the necessity of ensuring public safety and security against potential terrorist or other untoward activities, for the greater good of public peace, security, and tranquility.
The order declared, “Now therefore, the government of the Punjab prohibits all kinds of political assemblies, gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, demonstrations, jalsas, protests and similar activities across Punjab from July 26-28.”
Meanwhile, a press release from the Islamabad district administration reiterated that Section 144 was in effect, prohibiting any rallies or protests.
“Violation of Section 144 cannot be allowed under any circumstances. Action will be taken in case of violation of the law. In view of the protest, a force of Islamabad police has been deployed. Citizens should avoid participating in any illegal activities,” the press release stated.
The Islamabad police issued a similar warning, stating that no gathering was permitted without prior approval.
“In view of Muharram, the police are deployed at the majalis and processions. Law violators will be dealt with severely,” the police warned. Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub urged everyone to “fully participate” in the peaceful nationwide protest.
He stated there would be three demands: the immediate release of incarcerated PTI leaders and supporters, peace in the country, and a protest against rising inflation.
Ayub added that these demands would be met when “there are fair and transparent elections once again in the country and we are rid of this Form 47-government.” Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) also plans to hold a sit-in in Islamabad on July 26, demanding reduced electricity tariffs, the removal of the slab system for power tariffs, and a review of agreements with independent power producers.
JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman previously told the media, “The JI sit-in in Islamabad on July 26 is for the rights of the people, against inflation, and unjust taxes imposed in the recent budget.” Despite the imposition of Section 144, the party announced it would hold its sit-in at D-Chowk.