By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Authorities on Thursday imposed restrictions on public gatherings in the province of Punjab and the capital, Islamabad, ahead of nationwide protests planned for Friday by the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
The Punjab Home Department and Islamabad’s local administration invoked Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which prohibits assemblies of four or more people in an area for a limited period, citing potential disturbances and security threats.
On July 21, PTI leader Asad Qaiser announced that people across the country would hold a protest on July 26 for the release of political prisoners, including party founder Imran Khan, to reclaim the mandate.
PkMAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who also heads the opposition alliance known as Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), said on Tuesday the alliance was planning to hold a major protest on July 26 for the release of political prisoners.
He had claimed that Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman would extend his support to the protest.
The order released by the home department said, “Now therefore, the government of Punjab … prohibits all kinds of political assemblies, gatherings, sits-in, rallies, demonstrations, jalsas, protests and such like other activities across Punjab with effect from July 26-28.”
Meanwhile, Islamabad district administration in a press release said Section 144 was in effect and no rally or protest would be permitted.
The press release said, “Violation of Section 144 cannot be allowed under any circumstances. Action will be taken in case of violation of law. In view of the protest, a force of Islamabad police has been deployed. Citizens should avoid being part of any illegal activities.”
Furthermore, the Islamabad police also issued a warning, saying that no gathering was permitted without obtaining permission.
Khan’s PTI, however, reiterated its intention to hold nationwide protests on Friday under the TTAP’s banner.
“We will fully participate in the peaceful protest across the country,” said Omar Ayub, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly.
The party said the protests were aimed at “reclaiming the mandate” and securing the release of Khan, who has been detained since May on charges his party says are politically motivated.
Copyright © 2021 Independent Pakistan | All rights reserved
