Section 144 imposed across Sindh province

Gatherings of more than four individuals and all kinds of demonstrations, protests, and rallies prohibited

KARACHI:

In response to the escalating protests in the Sindh province, authorities have imposed Section 144, effectively banning the assembly of more than four individuals and all kinds of demonstrations, protests, and rallies.

According to a notification issued by the provincial government on Wednesday, this measure has been taken to maintain law and order and prevent further unrest.

The imposition of Section 144 comes amid violent protests which erupted following the arrest of the former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir corruption case on Tuesday.

According to the notification from the Home department, the restrictions in Sindh will remain in effect until further notice, and law enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the order.

Also read: Section 144 imposed across Punjab amid rising unrest

Meanwhile, the inspector-general of the Sindh police has called in an additional 1,500 police personnel and placed them on duty in Karachi to help in maintaining law and order in the wake of the protests following the PTI chief’s arrest.

The development comes a day after the Punjab interim government similarly enforced Section 144 across the province for two days.

The PTI chairman’s arrest at the Islamabad High Court triggered countrywide protests, threatening fresh turmoil with multiple cities across Pakistan witnessing demonstrations on his party's call.

Read more PTI worker killed, six injured in firing at Quetta protest rally

Similarly, the Balochistan provincial government has also imposed Section 144 on Tuesday after a PTI worker was killed and six others injured during a firing incident at a protest rally in Quetta.

The imposition of Section 144 is a response to escalating unrest and a measure to maintain law and order after reports of arson and violent protests.