LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has enforced Section 144 across the province, banning all political gatherings, rallies, sit-ins, and other public activities on Saturday (tomorrow), coinciding with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned protest against alleged rigging in the February 8, 2024, general elections.
Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure grants district administrations the authority to prohibit assemblies of four or more people for a specified period to maintain law and order.
PTI, founded by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has declared February 8 as a “Black Day” to mark the first anniversary of what it claims were “rigged” elections.
Government Justification
A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department stated that the restriction aims to protect public lives and property and ensure law and order in light of PTI’s planned demonstrations. The decision followed recommendations from the cabinet committee on law and order and the provincial intelligence committee.
Crackdown on PTI Gatherings
On Friday, the Lahore city district administration denied PTI’s request to hold a public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan, citing security concerns.
PTI had initially engaged in negotiations with the government but walked away after failing to secure the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 riots and November 2024 protests—one of its key demands.
PTI’s Response
As tensions rise, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar warned of strong agitation against the ruling coalition. He asserted that the party’s willingness to engage in dialogue was wrongly interpreted as a sign of weakness. Despite restrictions in Punjab, PTI has also announced a rally in Swabi on February 8.
