Section 144 imposed in Pakistan's Punjab ahead of PTI's Nov 24 protest

Section 144 has been imposed in the Pakistani province of Punjab banning all public gatherings, protests, rallies, processions, and sit-ins for three days, media reports said on Friday (Nov 22). 

The Punjab Home Department issued a notification which said that all forms of protests, rallies, processions, and sit-ins are prohibited. Section 144 will be in place from Saturday till Monday (Nov 25).

“There is an apprehension that miscreants/mischief mongers can take advantage of the said protest to carry out subversive/anti-state activities in order to fulfil their nefarious designs,” the notification said. 

A report by The Express Tribune said that section 144 was being imposed in Punjab to ensure peace, protect human lives, and safeguard property.

What is Section 144?

Section 144 in Pakistan allows authorities to prohibit various forms of political assemblies, gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, demonstrations, and similar activities for a specified period. 

Also read | Imran Khan's PTI barred by Islamabad court from Nov 24 rally, citing Belaruz prez visit, public order law

The section is usually imposed to prevent potential disturbances, maintain law and order, and curb any activities that might escalate into violence.

Imran Khan's PTI gears up for Nov 24 protest

The above measures in Punjab came as jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party – the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) – remained adamant about going ahead with its protest on Sunday despite facing the hurdle of gatherings being banned in Punjab as well as Islamabad.

Khan had issued a final call for a nationwide protest on Sunday, denouncing what he described as the stolen mandate, the unjust arrests of people and the passage of the 26th amendment, which strengthened a “dictatorial regime,” a report by Dawn said.

Also watch | Section 144 enforced in Punjab province

“November 24th is the day to break free from slavery. The rule of law, constitution, and human rights are suspended in Pakistan, forcing the nation to come out to protest and make sacrifices. The nation must decide whether to wear the yoke of slavery like Bahadur Shah Zafar or to adorn the crown of freedom like Tipu Sultan," the former Pakistan PM said in a post on X on Friday.

(With inputs from agencies)