The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 in six districts due to terrorism threats, with mobile phone and internet services suspended in Mianwali.
Section 144 will be enforced in Mianwali, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, and Chiniot. In Mianwali, this measure will be in effect from October 1 to October 7, while in the other five districts, it will be enforced for two days over five days.
The Punjab government implemented Section 144 in six districts and the notification for this decision has been issued by the Punjab Home Department.
The notification stated that the enforcement of Section 144 prohibits political gatherings and protest activities as a precaution against the risks of terrorism.
The imposition of Section 144 in all districts is based on recommendations from the district administration, as public gatherings could serve as soft targets for terrorists.
A notification from the Punjab Home Department confirmed that this ban prohibited all forms of political gatherings, including sit-ins, rallies, protests, and similar activities. The restrictions were in effect from October 1 to October 7. Two companies of Rangers were stationed in Mianwali from October 1 to October 3 to ensure public safety.
The decision to impose Section 144 in Punjab was challenged in the Lahore High Court.
A miscellaneous petition against the enforcement of Section 144 in Punjab was filed by a citizen named Najeebullah. The petition argued that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called for protests in various cities of Punjab.
The petition stated that the government has imposed Section 144, which violates the constitutional right of every citizen to protest. It claims that the enforcement of Section 144 is aimed solely at preventing PTI’s protests.
The petition requested the court to annul the notification regarding the imposition of Section 144 in Punjab.
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