Section 144 has been enforced in Islamabad, Punjab, and Balochistan ahead of PTI’s rally in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The rally, set for Saturday, commemorates the first anniversary of the controversial general elections held on February 8, 2024. PTI marks this date as a “black day” due to ongoing disputes over election inconsistencies.
Despite PTI’s attempt to secure permission for a power show at Lahore’s Minar-i-Pakistan, the Lahore High Court rejected the request. PTI Punjab Chief Organizer Aliya Hamza Malik has directed party members to stage protests instead.
According to Radio Pakistan, Section 144 was imposed across Islamabad, Punjab, and Balochistan. Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) allows authorities to restrict public assemblies of four or more people for a specified period, citing the need to maintain law and order and safeguard public safety. The notification, however, did not specify the reasons or duration of the ban.
PTI caravans from various KP cities, including one led by senior leader Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra, are headed to Swabi. Jhagra posted on X, emphasizing his two demands: the release of Imran Khan and reparations for the injustices done to the public mandate. He also clarified that he is not seeking a political position and refuses to align with politicians who “play both sides.”
PTI is also livestreaming the buildup to its Swabi rally, showing supporters gathering at the venue.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticized PTI’s actions, saying that permission would not be granted for attacks on the state, referencing the May 9 and November 26 events. Asif accused PTI of exacerbating terrorism while the country already faces threats in two provinces. He also claimed PTI protests were timed to coincide with major events like the Champions Trophy to diminish Pakistan’s international stature. He expressed concerns about the use of KP government resources for the rally, questioning why similar protests aren’t happening in other provinces. Asif also noted that PTI’s demands were largely met, and there should be celebrations rather than protests.
Asif further accused PTI of negotiating behind closed doors with the establishment, calling their public negotiations insincere. He also dismissed the notion that the U.S. would pressure Pakistan to release Imran Khan, claiming that PTI is spending millions on lobbying efforts.
On February 7, Punjab issued a notification for Section 144, citing concerns that PTI’s protests could lead to subversive activities. The Provincial Intelligence Committee’s February 3 meeting highlighted ongoing security threats, prompting the restriction on political gatherings to protect public safety and infrastructure.
In Islamabad, Section 144 had previously been extended until January 19, following earlier bans ahead of PTI’s “Final Call” protest. Similarly, Punjab and Balochistan imposed similar bans, which remain in effect until November 28, 2024, at least. Recently, Section 144 had been imposed in Balochistan during a gathering organized by the Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) in Dalbandin, Chaghi district. A separate protest in Khuzdar, following the abduction of a 17-year-old girl, continued to block the Quetta-Karachi National Highway for the second consecutive day.
