The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province, banning protests and public gatherings. This move comes as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) plans nationwide protests today, demanding the release of Imran Khan.
The Home Department’s order is effective immediately and will remain for seven days. Punjab Police stated that Section 144 allows authorities to prohibit activities in the public interest for a specified period.
The order cited security threats and potential disruptions to law and order. It stated that gatherings could become targets for terrorists and miscreants, posing serious risks. Although no specific reason was provided, Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal noted sufficient grounds for action under Section 144.
The ban covers rallies, gatherings, processions, and protests. According to posts on social media platform X, several illegal police raids have occurred on PTI leaders’ residences in Khanewal. The party claimed that the office of PTI leader Humayun Khan from PP-209 Khanewal was also raided and vandalized.
In the National Assembly, Opposition Leader Omar Ayub condemned the implementation of Section 144. He argued that it violates the Constitution and expressed concerns to Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah.
The police crackdown on PTI members’ houses and offices continues. Raids were conducted on the homes of PTI Secretary General Lahore Hafiz Zeeshan Rasheed, Mian Haroon, Sheikh Imtiaz, ticket holder Usman Hamza, Hamad Awan, and Mian Aslam Iqbal’s brother Afzal Iqbal. Many opposition members could not reach the assembly for fear of arrest.
PTI Lahore decided to go to court against the police raids on workers’ houses. Secretary General Hafiz Zeeshan Rasheed stated that the government panicked at the call for peaceful protests, leading to the raids. He emphasized that the protest call for electoral rigging and the release of their founding chairman has not been withdrawn.
