ISLAMABAD: As security concerns rise, Section 144 has been imposed across Punjab and Islamabad, prohibiting assemblies, processions and protests.

This measure is part of heightened security protocols in response to anticipated protests and the threat of terrorism. The capital administration has warned that any violations will be met with strict action. “Violation of Section 144 cannot be allowed under any circumstances,” stated a representative of the district administration.

It may be pointed out that Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) is protesting against the massive hike in electricity prices while JUIF and other religious parties have announced countrywide protests on Friday against the Supreme Court’s decision in the Mubarak Sani case. The leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has also announced to stage demonstrations on Friday to press for the release of party’s founder.

The Islamabad police force has been deployed to ensure compliance and citizens are urged to avoid participating in any illegal activities.

Similarly, the Punjab Home Department has announced a province-wide enforcement of Section 144 from July 26 to July 28. The Interior Department’s notification emphasized that public gatherings, rallies, sit-ins and protests are banned during this period, as such gatherings could be soft targets for terrorist activities. “The administration will ensure the implementation of the order across Punjab,” the notification stated.

The Punjab Home Department issued an order on Thursday imposing Section 144 across the province, prohibiting all kinds of political assemblies, gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, demonstrations, jalsas, protests and similar activities from July 26 to July 28. This decision is driven by concerns that any political gathering could provide a “soft target” for terrorists and miscreants amid the prevailing law and order situation and security threats.

The order highlighted that such gatherings pose “serious security threats” and are likely to disrupt public peace and order, causing significant inconvenience to the public. The Home Department emphasized the necessity of ensuring the security of people and protecting installations and buildings against potential terrorist or untoward activities in the interest of public safety, security, peace and tranquility.

Citing sufficient grounds for immediate preventive measures, the department stressed the need for Section 144 as a speedy remedy to prevent disturbances to public peace and to safeguard lives and property in Punjab. The government of Punjab has thus prohibited all forms of political assemblies and related activities during the specified period.

Meanwhile, Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday, on the plea of PTI to allow it to hold a peaceful protest outside the National Press Club, Islamabad, summoned reply from district administration Islamabad today (Friday). Justice Samman Riffat of IHC held hearing on the petition moved by PTI leader Amir Mughal in this regard.

Meanwhile, the federal capital has been completely sealed off with containers, effectively isolating it from surrounding areas, including Rawalpindi. A high-level meeting took place late at night to discuss the security situation. The meeting was attended by heads of law enforcement agencies, local administration officials, intelligence agencies and relevant authorities.