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Authorities have imposed Section 144 in Pakistan’s Rawalpindi district for 30 days until November 8, citing security concerns over key installations amid the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned long march towards Islamabad.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir announced the restriction on Saturday, following a warning from the District Intelligence Committee (DIC) about potential threats to important installations, roads and other infrastructure.
Under Section 144 of Pakistan’s Code of Criminal Procedure, gatherings of more than five people are prohibited. The order also bans carrying or displaying weapons, homemade explosives, spiked objects, heavy sticks, slingshots, ball bearings, petrol bombs and other items that could cause physical harm.
The use of drones and attempts to break police barricades set up to control gatherings and traffic have also been prohibited.
According to a notification, the DIC warned that large gatherings, protests and disorderly assemblies could undermine law and order. It said specific intelligence suggested that certain individuals and groups were mobilising people for such activities.
The restrictions come as the PTI prepares to march towards Islamabad, although the procession has yet to move beyond Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The province’s chief minister reiterated on Saturday that he would lead the march towards the capital.
Section 144 is already in force in several other parts of Pakistan. Islamabad has been under the restriction for two months since a notification issued on September 18, while the measure remains in effect in Lahore until October 15 to protect public peace and the safety of lives and property.
Source : DAWN