Authorities in Rawalpindi have imposed Section 144 across the district, banning all public gatherings, motorcycle pillion riding, and rallies from August 4 to August 10, citing security concerns ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) August 5 protest.
The Deputy Commissioner’s office issued a formal notification on Monday, stating that the restrictions are aimed at maintaining law and order during a sensitive period.
According to the notification, “There will be a complete ban on political gatherings, rallies, and processions in Rawalpindi district. Pillion riding on motorcycles will also be prohibited from August 4 to 10.”
The notification also prohibits the display of arms and the use of loudspeakers in public spaces. Any attempt to remove official roadblocks placed on major thoroughfares will result in legal action, officials warned.
Read More: PTI alliance mobilises for August 5 'power show'
Meanwhile, Authorities have directed the Rawalpindi police force to remain deployed and on high alert ahead of PTI planned protest movement beginning on 5 August.
According to sources, City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi Khalid Hamdani has instructed the Special Branch and all police units to remain at their designated duty points until further notice. The directive, issued through a formal memo by the SP Security, mandates full attendance across police stations, outposts, guard units, and offices.
“All officers must remain present at their assigned locations to ensure timely response in case of any emergency,” the official directive reads.
The order also instructs station clerks to verify and ensure full attendance of the force under their command. Police presence will be maintained around the clock to respond swiftly to any unrest.
On the other hand, Islamabad's district administration has also issued a stern warning ahead of a possible protest by the PTI, stating that anyone found involved in illegal gatherings will be arrested immediately.
Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said that Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code is currently in force in the federal capital, under which public gatherings, rallies, and protests are strictly prohibited.
“Anyone becoming part of any unlawful activity will be arrested without delay,” Memon said in a statement. “Strict legal action will be taken against violators of Section 144.”
The city administration has appealed to residents to refrain from joining any illegal protest or activity, warning of serious legal consequences for those who defy the law.
It is worth noting that after a series of failed protests, the PTI founder has once again decided to demonstrate street power to campaign for the rule of law and the release of imprisoned party leaders and workers. However, the party appears divided on key policy matters, with dissenting voices increasingly surfacing in public.
Also Read: Police crack down on PTI ahead of Aug 5 protest
Days ahead of its planned protest on August 5, the PTI is facing a widespread crackdown, with party leaders going into hiding, workers reporting home raids and several bank accounts reportedly frozen. Party leaders and workers allege that police across Punjab have intensified efforts to suppress the protest by launching a campaign of intimidation.
Many party workers lament that since August 1, police have been knocking on doors, forcing workers to sign affidavits promising not to participate in the protest.
The raids have led to panic within PTI ranks, with multiple leaders choosing to go underground to avoid arrest. Party sources claim that the "door-knocking" campaign has expanded rapidly over the past few days.
In addition to the pressure tactics on the ground, several reports have emerged of financial restrictions being imposed on PTI leadership. The bank account of Hafiz Zeeshan Rasheed, a senior PTI office-bearer in Punjab, has reportedly been frozen, one of many such cases, according to the party.
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