According to the notification, all political demonstrations, rallies, processions, sit-ins, and gatherings will be banned throughout Punjab on February 8. A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department stated that the decision to impose Section 144 was made to maintain peace and order, and to protect lives and property.

The spokesperson cited security concerns, stating that public gatherings could become soft targets for terrorists, and that miscreants might exploit protests to carry out anti-state activities. The decision to implement Section 144 was made on the recommendation of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order and the Provincial Intelligence Committee.

This ban comes as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called for a “Black Day” on February 8th. Alia Hamza, chief organizer of the PTI Punjab, has instructed party members of the National and Provincial Assemblies to hold peaceful protests against alleged electoral rigging in their respective constituencies.

Hamza stated that the PTI is a responsible political party, and that protesting is their constitutional and legal right.