Balochistan imposes Section 144 across province for 30 days

Home Department cites reports of activities and gatherings threatening public peace, law and security

QUETTA/ BALOCHISTAN:

The Balochistan government on Thursday imposed Section 144 across the province for 30 days, banning public gatherings, rallies and demonstrations, as well as the display of weapons.

The provincial Home Department said it had received reports indicating the likelihood of activities and gatherings that could adversely affect public peace, tranquillity, law and order, and the safety and security of the general public.

Under the order, assembly or gathering of five or more people at any public place has been prohibited. The ban covers sit-ins, processions, rallies, demonstrations and similar gatherings.

The government has also prohibited the display, carrying, possession or use of weapons of any kind in public places, except where specifically authorised under the law.

The order further bans covering or concealing the face in public places, particularly through mufflers, masks or any other means that obstruct or prevent identification of a person.

All law-enforcement agencies and district administrations have been directed to ensure strict implementation and enforcement of the order in accordance with the law.

The government warned that anyone found violating the restrictions would be proceeded against under the relevant provisions of the law.

The order was issued by Balochistan Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat under sub-section (6) of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.

 

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ٹکرز برائے الیکٹرانک میڈیا

بلوچستان حکومت کی جانب سے عوام کے جان و مال کے تحفظ اور امن و امان کے پیش نظر دفعہ 144 نافذ کر دی گئی ہے، معاون برائے داخلہ بابر یوسفزئی۔

صوبہ بھر میں 30 روز کے لیے عوامی مقامات پر ہر قسم کے اسلحے کی نمائش، نمائشِ اسلحہ، اجتماع اور جلوس پر… pic.twitter.com/gyYxGIJ7wa

— Babar Yousafzai (@BabarYousafzai_) September 23, 2026

Adviser to the Home Department Babar Yousafzai said Yousafzai said that Section 144 would remain in force across Balochistan for 30 days with immediate effect from September 23, 2026.

He said that all law-enforcement agencies and district administrations had been directed to ensure strict implementation of Section 144.

"The measures are aimed at maintaining public peace and tranquillity, law and order, and protecting the lives and property of citizens," the adviser said.

The restrictions come amid heightened security activity in Balochistan. On Wednesday, security forces killed 19 terrorists in separate intelligence-based operations in Quetta, Kech and other areas of the province.

A subedar was also killed in an exchange of fire. In a separate engagement in Mastung, security forces killed nine terrorists after they allegedly attempted to attack a checkpost, while two others were killed in an operation in Turbat.

The latest order is the third province-wide imposition of Section 144 in Balochistan this year. In May, the provincial government imposed similar restrictions for 30 days, citing potential terrorist threats and banning weapons displays, pillion riding, gatherings of five or more people and face coverings. A separate province-wide order was imposed during Muharram in June as part of security arrangements.