Section 144 Imposed as Authorities Prepare for PTI Protest in Rawalpindi

The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in Rawalpindi Division for two days in anticipation of a protest organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. This decision prohibits all political gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, and similar activities, according to a notification from the Punjab Home Department.

The PTI, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has announced its intention to proceed with the demonstration, despite not obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi bench. The party had initially sought permission to hold a rally but later withdrew its application.

In recent weeks, the PTI has managed to conduct two rallies under strict conditions in Islamabad and Lahore. A rally held in Lahore on September 21 was abruptly halted when police took control of the stage and cut off power after the event exceeded the city officials' deadline.

As part of its ongoing efforts, PTI officials had sought permission to hold a rally at Liaquat Bagh or Bhatta Chowk in Rawalpindi. In response to the planned protests, City Police Officer Khalid Hamdani has canceled leave for all officers and ordered full deployment.

The district administration has requested the Federal Ministry of Interior to send Punjab Rangers to Rawalpindi and Attock, with four companies expected to be stationed in the region. Authorities have sealed off Liaquat Bagh and blocked roads leading to the venue, including Faizabad, Shamsabad, Chandni Chowk, Rehmanabad, and Committee Chowk. The metro bus service has also been suspended, and traffic restrictions have been implemented throughout the area.

In addition to Rawalpindi, Section 144 will be enforced in Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal districts. Police have ramped up security measures, particularly around the High-Security Zone, to prevent any unrest.

Imran Khan emphasized the party's determination to hold the protest "at any cost" during a recent address from Adiala jail. He urged citizens, especially the youth, to join the demonstration for the sake of Pakistan's future.

Meanwhile, PTI parliamentary and organizational officials held a meeting at the Chief Minister's House in Peshawar to prepare for the protest. Party members and lawmakers have been instructed to mobilize workers from various districts in northern Punjab. The police are also monitoring hotels and inns in the city to ensure security during the protest.