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

Section 144 has been imposed in Islamabad for two months, the district administration announced on Wednesday, urging citizens to refrain from engaging in any "illegal activity." The order follows the announcement of large-scale demonstrations and sit-ins by the Kissan Ittehad and PTI. The PTI plans to hold a long march on September 27 to advocate for the release of its founder, Imran Khan, who is currently in prison in Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail.

According to a copy of the order issued by Islamabad Additional District Magistrate Dr Anam Fatima on September 18, Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code is in effect and will remain so for two months. The order bans gatherings of five or more people, processions, rallies, and demonstrations in any public area within the district, including the Red Zone.

The administration claims that certain individuals are organizing unlawful assemblies, which could threaten public peace, tranquillity, and the maintenance of law and order. They argue that the planned processions and demonstrations could endanger lives, damage property, and potentially lead to riots.

The district administration added that Section 144 has also been enforced throughout the federal capital, prohibiting gatherings of any kind. They emphasized that the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024 also bars such assemblies, and severe legal consequences await violators, including up to three years in prison. The administration urged citizens to cooperate with security forces and exercise responsibility.

Preparations are underway in Rawalpindi Division and the federal capital to ensure security during potential protests and other emergencies. Section 144 has also been applied across Punjab for 13 days due to serious threats to public peace, tranquillity, and citizens' well-being. The Punjab government has requested additional Rangers from the federal government to deploy in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Mianwali districts from September 22 to October 5 to assist local police in maintaining order amid the anticipated protest on September 27.

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