The province of Punjab in Pakistan imposed stringent protest restrictions on Friday, invoking Section 144 of Pakistan’s Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which prohibits the assembly of more than four persons. This measure was taken in response to the “law and order situation” and perceived security threats that could be exacerbated by public demonstrations. These restrictions will be in effect for seven days.
This decision comes as the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party, formerly the ruling party under ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, has called for nationwide protests to demand Khan’s release from jail. Khan, who has been incarcerated since August of last year on a series of charges, including the cipher case and his marriage to Bushra Khan, had his sentence in the Toshakhana corruption case suspended by the Islamabad High Court earlier this year. Despite this suspension, he remains in custody.
The government’s order cited significant security threats, stating that public gatherings could serve as soft targets for terrorists and miscreants, jeopardizing public safety and peace. This enactment of Section 144 most recently occurred during general elections earlier this year, reflecting ongoing concerns about public order.
Supporters of Khan and PTI have dismissed the allegations against him as unfounded and politically motivated, suggesting the charges aim to sideline him from the political arena. More information on the imposition of Section 144 and its implications can be found in the detailed coverage provided by JURIST.