I will tear Section 144 into 144 pieces: Sheikh Rashid

Govt has outlawed protests in capital ahead of Imran Khan's 'lockdown'

In response to Islamabad administrator's decision to ban public rallies and protests in the capital, Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid said he would "tear Section 144 into 144 pieces tomorrow."

Reiterating Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan's words, Rashid said, "Rawalpindi will be closed down on November 2, no matter what. "From Chandi Chowk till Islamabad, people will come out on the streets," the AML chief told reporters on Thursday.



Congratulating Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in a rather sarcastic tone, Rashid said, "You have started the game, but now we will be the ones to end it for you."

Challenging Islamabad High Court’s orders, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Thursday announced that the Islamabad protest scheduled for November 2 will be held at any cost.

Addressing the media in Islamabad, the party chief said, “It is my legal and constitutional right to hold a peaceful protest and I will exercise that right.”

Earlier today, Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered authorities not to place any containers or block roads for PTI’s Islamabad lockdown on November 2.



“No one will be allowed to shut down Islamabad on Nov 2,” Judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui said while hearing petitions filed against the mass protest. “Fundamental rights of common man cannot be compromised in the name of protest,” he added, according to Radio Pakistan.

The order stated that though it is PTI’s right to register protest, no party will be allowed to siege the city.

Hours after IHC passed the orders, PTI chief announced that the Islamabad protest swill be held at any cost. Addressing the media in Islamabad, the party chief said, “It is my legal and constitutional right to hold a peaceful protest and I will exercise that right.”

“We will change the fate of Pakistan on November 2, and no one has the power to stop us,” he added. The cricketer-turned-politician further added that using force against peaceful protesters is unconstitutional.