LAHORE: Pakistan’s Punjab government on Thursday imposed Section 144 across the province for three days ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) planned protest rallies for the release of its founding chairman and former premier Imran Khan.
Punjab Home Department has enforced Section 144 across the province prohibiting public gatherings and rallies for a period of three days. As per the notification issued on Wednesday, Section 144 will be effective from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28.
The measure aims to uphold law and order and mitigate potential terrorist threats.
The notification outlined that authorities will ensure strict adherence to the order throughout Punjab and Islamabad.
Under Section 144, gatherings of five or more individuals are prohibited, with legal repercussions for any violations.
The decision precedes a planned nationwide protest by the opposition alliance led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), scheduled for Friday to demand the release of what they term ‘innocent’ prisoners, including PTI chairman Imran Khan.
Following a meeting of Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayen, the PTI-led alliance, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser informed the media that peaceful protests would be held nationwide on Friday (tomorrow).
Qaiser stated their primary demands are to address rampant inflation, ensure peace, and secure the release of PTI’s founder and other political detainees held on what they assert are fabricated charges.
Qaiser also criticized the current federal government, alleging it holds power through fraudulent means.
