Section 144 imposed in Islamabad ahead of Independence Day

Imposition comes just days ahead of planned long marches to the capital by PTI and PAT

ISLAMABAD: Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure has been imposed in Islamabad over 'security concerns' ahead of planned rallies by the chiefs of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistan Awami Tehreek in the capital, Express News reported on Friday.

A notification in this regard has been issued by the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad.

Section 144 bans a gathering of more than four people at one place for rallies and protests and also bans carrying weapons.

Last night, it was reported that the federal capital would be sealed off by August 12, and 900 containers were being placed around the city.

The imposition of the section comes just days before the PTI's 'azadi' march is scheduled for August 14 in Islamabad, which, the party claims, has 'unnerved' Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's government.