Section 144 in Haripur
Traders say Section 144 has been misused by police officers, affected businesses. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
In response to the prevailing law and order situation in the province, the deputy commissioner of Haripur has enacted section 144, enforcing a seven-day ban on public gatherings.
The deputy commissioner's office has issued guidelines for gatherings, emphasising the necessity of adhering to safety measures.
A code of conduct will be enforced by the district administration, requiring political parties to submit applications for NOCs (No Objection Certificates) for public gatherings.
These applications should specify the chosen location, time, list of leaders, and expected audience size. Local leaders are also required to affirm that traffic flow won't be disrupted and public inconvenience won't be caused by their meetings.
To ensure orderly arrangements, political parties are mandated not to hold meetings simultaneously at the same venue. The approval of law enforcement agencies is a prerequisite for gathering permits.
The issuance of all NOCs for corner meetings and gatherings will be overseen by the deputy commissioner. Suitable locations for political gatherings will be identified by the district administration in consultation with relevant stakeholders. Corner meetings are to be conducted within enclosed spaces, and political activities are prohibited within the premises of non-governmental, semi-governmental, and autonomous entities, as well as sports grounds and roads.
All political activities are to occur during daylight hours and adhere to designated time limits. Large political gatherings are permitted to use loudspeakers, provided they are not in proximity to, worship sites, hospitals, or educational institutions.
The notification read speeches in political meetings must abstain from defamatory or derogatory language, as well as personal attacks.
Only individuals involved in cases are eligible for personal security, while others can employ private security personnel with licensed weapons. Details of these guards and their weaponry must be registered with the local police station.
Furthermore, organisers are obligated to provide video recordings of rallies to the relevant police station.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 7th, 2023.