The Punjab government has enforced Section 144 across the province, banning all protests, rallies, and public gatherings for two days, from Friday, October 18, to Saturday, October 19. This decision aims to maintain law and order and protect lives and property amid security concerns.
In a notification issued on Thursday, the Home Department stated, “Given the current law and order situation and threat perceptions, any form of protest or procession could become a soft target for terrorists.”
This move follows the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s announcement of a nationwide protest at the district level, urging supporters to gather on October 18 to oppose constitutional amendments and the imprisonment of the party’s founding chairman, Imran Khan.
During a meeting on Wednesday, the PTI political committee called for peaceful protests at district headquarters after Friday prayers. The party condemned the “mistreatment” of Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail, and demanded the restoration of his fundamental rights, including access to family, lawyers, and party leaders.
The committee encouraged all members of society who support constitutional supremacy to participate peacefully in the demonstrations. They also reiterated their commitment to resist any government attempts to amend the Constitution and called for the release of Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, as well as all detained party members.
The Punjab government emphasized that the enforcement of Section 144 is a preventive measure aimed at ensuring public safety and preventing potential unrest.
Additionally, the government has declared a public holiday across the province on Friday, October 18, with all public and private institutions, including schools and colleges, remaining closed. This holiday applies to all educational institutions in the province, including universities.
