Freedom of assembly: Section 144 expires in Rawalpindi

Police feel no need to extend restriction, Decision from Islamabad police awaited.

ISLAMABAD:

Though the threat of terrorism in the federal capital and the garrison city continues to worry the government, the Rawalpindi administration has decided not to extend the imposition of section 144, as it was only imposed as a “precautionary measure”.

Section 144, which bars public gatherings of four or more people, was enforced and all public meetings, rallies were prohibited in the twin cities.

Nevertheless, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) youth wing took out a rally in Rawalpindi against the government on Sunday, and later entered Islamabad via Zero Point, moved through Aabpara and then entered the Red Zone to join the sit-in on Constitutional Avenue.

Sajid Zafar Dall, the Rawalpindi City District Government administrator, said it was a flaw on the part of the police as the law enforcers were responsible for implementing the orders. He said that the deadline will expire at midnight on September 14 and the administration has not extended it, meaning there will be no ban on public gatherings in Rawalpindi from today.

The administrator said that Section 144 was enforced following credible reports from intelligence agencies regarding imminent threats of terrorist activity in Rawalpindi district which could create a potential law and order situation and damage to life and property.

“It was imposed as one of the immediate steps to avert any untoward incident,” he said.

In order to control the situation, Dall said that with the imposition of Section 144, holding public meetings and rallies, besides carrying banners and party flags, use of loudspeakers and display of arms as well as pillion riding was banned.

He added that police pickets were set up and quick response force was deployed to assist the police.

In Islamabad, security was beefed up at public places with enhanced patrolling and snap-checking following the enforcement of Section 144. Inspector General (IG) the Islamabad Police Tahir Alam Khan presided over a meeting to review security situation in the capital. The Express Tribune was unable to get formal confirmation of a decision on the section from the Islamabad police, despite repeated attempts.

Section 144 took effect and was in force for a period of two days – September 13 to 14.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 15^th, 2014.