ISLAMABAD – The local authorities in the federal capital Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi have imposed Section 144 ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) expected protest call, placing police and other law enforcement agencies on high alert to prevent any unlawful gatherings.
According to the Islamabad district administration, Section 144 is already in force in the capital, under which all forms of protests, rallies, public gatherings, and processions have been strictly prohibited.
The administration stated that any attempt to organise an illegal assembly would immediately trigger legal action, as the order is aimed at maintaining public order and avoiding any untoward incident.
In Rawalpindi, Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema also notified the enforcement of Section 144 across the district.
The notification states that the restrictions will remain effective from December 1 to December 3, during which all kinds of gatherings, rallies, and political processions will remain banned.
The district administration has emphasised that no exemptions will be granted and violators will face legal consequences.
The administration further confirmed that the police, along with other law enforcement agencies, have been placed on high alert and directed to ensure coordinated security arrangements.
Security personnel have been instructed to maintain vigilance at sensitive points and take immediate action against any violation of the ban to preserve peace in the twin cities.
The development comes a day after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Suhail Afridi expressed concern over not being allowed to meet PTI founder Imran Khan, who has reportedly been kept in isolation since November 4.
Afridi had announced that PTI workers would protest outside the Islamabad High Court and later proceed to Adiala Jail if the meeting continued to be denied.
Officials maintain that the imposition of Section 144 is a preventive measure to avoid disorder as political activities gain momentum, urging citizens to comply with the restrictions for the sake of public safety.
