Punjab, ICT move to scupper opp protest
As the opposition parties, including the PTI and JI, geared up for protest demonstrations against hike in power tariff and inflated electricity bills, the Punjab government and the Islamabad Capital Territory administration imposed Section 144.
Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure empowers the district administration to issue orders in the public interest that may place a ban on an activity for a specific period of time.
On Sunday, PTI leader Asad Qaiser had said that people across the country would protest on Friday (July 26) for the release of all political prisoners, including party founder Imran Khan, to reclaim the mandate.
PkMAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who also heads the opposition alliance known as Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), had said on Tuesday the alliance was planning a major protest this Friday for the release of political prisoners. He had claimed that Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman would lend his support to the protest.
Ayub on Monday called on everyone to "fully participate" in the peaceful protest across the country. He said there would be three demands: the immediate release of incarcerated PTI leaders and supporters, peace in the country and to register a protest against growing inflation.
Ayub said the above three would be achieved when "there are fair and transparent elections once again in the country and we are rid of this Form 47-government".
Moreover, Jamaat-e-Islami has directed its workers and leaders to reach the federal capital to take part in the demonstration despite the imposition of Section 144.
Meanwhile, a press release from the Islamabad district administration said Section 144 was in effect and no rally or protest would be allowed.
"Violation of Section 144 cannot be allowed under any circumstances. Action will be taken in case of violation of law. In view of the protest, a force of Islamabad police has been deployed. Citizens should avoid being part of any illegal activities," the press release said.
The Islamabad police issued a similar warning, saying that no gathering was allowed without prior permission.
"In view of Muharram, the police are deployed at the majalis and processions. Violators of the law will be dealt with severely," the police said.
In a late night development, Rawalpindi police launched a crackdown on PTI and JI workers.