Punjab imposes Section 144 to thwart PTI's planned protest

The Punjab government has imposed Section 144, restricting public gatherings for three days across eight cities in response to the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party's planned protests.

The decision comes ahead of demonstrations planned by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as part of a broader campaign.

On Tuesday, PTI had announced a fresh wave of protests in several districts of Punjab, including the provincial capital, Lahore.

The party's political committee announced simultaneous rallies in six districts between October 11 and October 14, demanding the supremacy of the constitution, judicial independence, and the release of PTI chairman Imran Khan, who remains imprisoned in Adiala Jail.

In response, the Punjab government has once again enforced Section 144 in Multan, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Vehari, Pakpattan, Okara, and Wazirabad. According to a government notification, the ban will be in effect from Thursday, October 10, until Saturday, October 12.

A spokesperson for the provincial Home Department said the decision was made following requests from district administrations.

The ban will prohibit all political gatherings, rallies, protests, sit-ins, and other similar activities in select cities. The spokesperson emphasised that the move was necessary due to security concerns, warning that public gatherings could be vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

The spokesperson added that the imposition of Section 144 is intended to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of citizens and property in these districts.