ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Police have declared that no illegal gatherings will be permitted in the federal capital, Islamabad, in light of Section 144 currently in force.
A spokesperson for the Islamabad Police emphasized that while peaceful protests are considered a fundamental right, any unlawful activities will not be tolerated. The statement also warned of legal action against individuals resorting to violence.
This announcement comes in response to various political parties planning protests against the alleged rigging in the recently conducted elections. The elections, held last week, did not yield a clear majority for any single party.
Independent candidates, supported by the incarcerated former prime minister, secured 92 out of 264 seats, emerging as the largest group in the National Assembly. The absence of a simple majority for major political parties such as PML-N, PPP, or PTI-backed independent candidates has cast uncertainty over Pakistan’s political landscape.
As the results of the general elections in 2024 unfolded, PTI-backed independent candidates maintained a lead over mainstream political parties, particularly in the National and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assemblies.
With none of the major parties securing a majority, political stakeholders are engaged in efforts to form alliances and secure the required 169 seats in the 336-member lower house of parliament. The evolving political situation has heightened tensions, prompting the authorities to enforce measures to prevent any potential illegal gatherings that could escalate into violence.
