Islamabad imposes two-month Section 144 ban on gatherings ahead of PTI long march on September 27 demanding Imran Khan's release.
Islamabad authorities have imposed Section 144 for two months, prohibiting gatherings of five or more people, processions, rallies and demonstrations across the federal capital. The ban comes as the PTI and Kissan Ittehad prepare long marches and sit-ins, with the PTI specifically planning a march on September 27 to demand the release of founder Imran Khan.
- ▪Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code enforced immediately with two-month duration, issued by Additional District Magistrate Dr Anam Fatima on September 18.
- ▪All gatherings, processions, rallies and demonstrations banned at any public place including the Red Zone; violations carry up to three years’ imprisonment.
- ▪PTI announced long march on September 27 to press for release of Imran Khan, currently held at Adiala jail in Rawalpindi.
- ▪District administration cited threat to public peace and potential for riots as justification; called planned assemblies ‘unlawful’ and dangerous.
- ▪Punjab separately imposed Section 144 for 13 days; Punjab government requested Rangers deployment in four districts from September 22 to October 5.
- ▪Pakistan Army authorized to deploy three companies in Rawalpindi for six months on ‘sensitive security duties’ and emergency response (announced in August).
- ▪Security preparations underway across Rawalpindi Division and federal capital territory to manage expected protests and potential emergencies.
- ▪District administration warned of strict legal action for violations and appealed to citizens to avoid ‘illegal activities’ and cooperate with security.
Source: according to local media reports
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