Pakistan authorities imposed Section 144 in the capital for two months, banning public gatherings of five or more persons as Islamabad braces for planned protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and a farmers’ group, Dawn media reported.
The order, issued Sept. 18 by Islamabad Additional District Magistrate Anam Fatima, bans gatherings, processions, rallies and demonstrations at public places across the federal capital, including the high-security Red Zone.
Restrictions ahead of planned PTI march for Sept. 27 to call for the release of jailed party founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The Kissan Ittehad, a farmers’ organisation, has also announced a march to Islamabad in support of agricultural demands, including relief from rising input costs.
The administration said the restrictions are needed as planned gatherings could threaten public peace, safety and property and could lead to unrest.
It separately warned that gatherings were also banned under the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024, and said violations could lead to legal action.
Authorities have also increased security in the area around Islamabad in preparation for the anticipated protests.
