Section 144 enforced in Punjab, Islamabad to curb PTI protests

The Punjab Home Department has imposed Section 144 across the province and in Islamabad, banning public gatherings and rallies for three days, Express News reported on Thursday.

According to the notification issued on Wednesday, Section 144 will be in effect from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28.

The measure aims to maintain law and order and prevent any potential terrorist threats.

The notification stated that the administration will ensure the implementation of the order across Punjab and Islamabad.

The imposition of Section 144 prohibits gatherings of five or more people, and any violation of the order can lead to legal action.

This move comes ahead of a country-wide protest announced by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led opposition alliance for Friday.

The protests demand the release of ‘innocent’ prisoners, including PTI chairman Imran Khan.

Former speaker of the National Assembly, Asad Qaiser, speaking after a meeting of the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayen (TTAP) — an opposition alliance led by the PTI — said they would be holding ‘peaceful’ demonstrations across the country on Friday.

"We are protesting for three prime demands: the end of skyrocketing inflation, the establishment of peace, and the release of the PTI founder and all other political prisoners held in ‘fabricated’ cases," Qaiser stated.

He added, “The incumbent federal government enjoys a fake mandate.”