Section 144 imposed in Islamabad; district admin warns citizens against participating in any 'illegal activity'

Section 144 has been enacted in Islamabad for a two-month duration, as reported on Wednesday. The district administration has cautioned its residents against partaking in any "illegal activity". This decision follows announcements from the Kissan Ittehad and PTI regarding large-scale marches and sit-ins in the coming week. The PTI has scheduled a long march on September 27 to demand the release of its founder, Imran Khan, who is currently held in Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail.

A copy of the official order, signed by Islamabad Additional District Magistrate Dr Anam Fatima on September 18, is accessible to Dawn. Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, enforced immediately and set to remain in effect for two months, prohibits gatherings of five or more individuals, as well as processions, rallies, and demonstrations in any public area within the district, including the Red Zone.

The order indicates that certain segments of society are planning to organize "unlawful assemblies", and it is deemed necessary to control such unlawful activities that pose a threat to public peace, tranquility, and the maintenance of law and order. The district administration emphasized that processions and demonstrations planned in the area could endanger public safety, property, and public order, necessitating immediate prevention and swift remedies to protect life and property.

In a separate announcement on Wednesday, the district administration reiterated that Section 144 has been implemented in the federal capital, asserting that no gatherings or assemblies of any kind are permitted in the city. The Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024 has also been invoked, with strict legal consequences for violations, including a potential three-year prison sentence.

Authorities urge citizens to refrain from engaging in any illegal activities and to cooperate with security agencies, displaying responsibility. Preparations are underway in the Rawalpindi Division and the federal capital to ensure security and manage any emergency situations, considering the potential large-scale demonstrations by the PTI and other protests in Islamabad.

Additionally, Section 144 has been separately enforced across Punjab for 13 days, prompted by "serious threats" to public peace, tranquility, and the safety of citizens in Punjab. The Punjab government has sought federal assistance by requesting the deployment of Rangers in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Mianwali districts from September 22 to October 5 to support provincial police in maintaining law and order during the anticipated protest on September 27.

In August, the federal government authorized the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi for six months to carry out sensitive security duties and respond to unforeseen situations.