The Punjab Home Department has banned public gatherings for three days under Section 14 of the CrPC as the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf prepares for nationwide protests. The Islamabad administration has also issued a similar notification.

“The imposition of Section 144 is to ensure public peace and protect human lives and property,” said the Home Department in a statement. The decision was made in light of “terrorism threats, as public gatherings can be easy targets for terrorists.”

The decision comes after PTI leader Asad Qaiser said that people across the country would protest on Friday (tomorrow) for the release of all political prisoners, including party founder Imran Khan, to reclaim the mandate.

PkMAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who also heads the opposition alliance, also spoke on the same wavelength. He had claimed that Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Reh­man would lend his support to the protest.

Similarly, the Islamabad administration has clarified that Section 144 was in effect in the capital and that no rallies, protests, or demonstrations would be allowed.

The capital city administration has stated that any violation of order would not be tolerated and legal action would be taken against those who defy the law.

According to the administration, additional police personnel have been deployed in Islamabad in view of the proposed protests. Citizens have been advised to refrain from participating in any unlawful activities.