The Islamabad district administration has confirmed that Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code is currently in effect in the capital ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for December 2.
The demonstration, organized by PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter, is planned outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to demand a meeting with jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, which has reportedly been repeatedly denied.
Section 144 prohibits protests, rallies, or public gatherings, and the district administration has warned that any violation will result in immediate legal action. Police and other law enforcement agencies have been placed on high alert to ensure compliance, and all security personnel are tasked with maintaining law and order.
Citizens have been urged to avoid participating in any activities deemed unlawful under this regulation. The administration emphasized that the restriction is intended to prevent disruptions to daily life and safeguard public safety.
In a public advisory, authorities called on residents to cooperate with enforcement teams and report any suspected violations. “Maintaining peace and order is a collective responsibility,” the advisory stated, highlighting the need for community support in ensuring compliance.
Meanwhile, Section 144 has also been imposed in Rawalpindi by Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema, effective from December 1 to December 3.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns from Imran Khan’s family about his health and well-being, as court-ordered weekly prison visits have reportedly been blocked. His son, Kasim Khan, expressed worry over the lack of verifiable contact, citing fears that authorities may be withholding information regarding Khan’s condition.
The PTI protest follows a series of denied meetings, including one with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who staged a 16-hour sit-in on Adiala Road on November 27 after being refused access to the imprisoned PTI founder.
Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023, following his ouster via a no-confidence motion in April 2022. The upcoming protest is thus seen as a continuation of the party’s efforts to highlight access restrictions and demand transparency regarding their leader’s treatment.
