Section 144 enforced in Lahore ahead of PTI's rally

Day long restriction could be extended if the situation goes 'out of control'

LAHORE:

Amid fears of violence, the Punjab government, in a late night development on Saturday, announced to impose Section 144 in Lahore for a day – Sunday – warning that the restriction could be extended if the situation “went out of control”.

In a news conference, Caretaker Punjab Minister for Information Amir Mir urged PTI Chairman and former premier Imran Khan not to “take the law into his hands”.

He said Section 144 was being enforced in the provincial capital, adding that no one would be allowed to take out a rally or hold public gathering.

He noted that a HBL PSL match, marathon and a cycle race were also scheduled to be held in the city on Sunday (today), saying these events would be organised as they were planned a month ago.

Amir said Imran had “all of a sudden” announced his political rally despite the holding of these events.

He cited security of the cricket teams as one of the main reasons for the imposition of Section 144.

He recalled that earlier too, the PTI had announced to hold a rally though Aurat March and a match were already planned.

The caretaker provincial information minister said that they had asked the PTI leadership to shift their political programme to a next date but they refused to do so.

He warned that if there was any resistance on PTI’s part the enforcement of Section 144 would be further extended.

Amir observed that the official date for electioneering was April 6, adding that anything done before that was a “political activity”.

He denied that the government was responsible for the death of PTI worker Bilal during PTI rally on March 8.