Punjab has banned public gatherings of five or more people for 13 days as the PTI prepares for its September 27 march to Islamabad…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Pakistan’s Punjab government has imposed a 13 day ban on public gatherings across the province ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf’s (PTI) planned long march to Islamabad on September 27, while authorities have sought additional security measures in areas along the route.
Under an order issued by the Punjab Home Department, gatherings, processions and assemblies of five or more people have been prohibited in public places, roads, highways and open spaces across the province. The order also prohibits the carrying or display of weapons and encouraging people to join unlawful gatherings.
Weddings, funeral prayers and burials, as well as gatherings at mosques and other places of worship, are exempt from the restrictions.
The Punjab government said the measures were introduced following security alerts warning of possible attacks on large public gatherings. Authorities said rallies, public meetings, sit ins, processions and demonstrations could become potential targets.
The restrictions come as PTI prepares for its September 27 march to Islamabad, which the party has said is aimed at seeking the release of its founder and jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Punjab has also requested the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali to assist police with maintaining law and order during the period surrounding the planned protest. The requested deployment is scheduled to run from September 22 to October 5.
Authorities have also sought restrictions on mobile and internet services at selected locations in Rawalpindi and Attock on September 27, citing the expected law and order situation. Roads in parts of the region are also being prepared for closures and security blockades.
The measures follow the detention of several PTI leaders, workers and relatives of Imran Khan in the run up to the planned march.
Three of Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan, were detained under the Maintenance of Public Order law. A petition challenging their 30 day detention orders was filed in the Lahore High Court by Aleema Khan’s son, Shahraiz Khan, who sought their immediate release.
The petition alleges that Aleema Khan’s detention was unlawful and that she was arrested while travelling for personal work. These are claims made in the petition and have not been established by a court.
Khan’s son Kasim Khan has also criticised the detention of his aunts and called for international action. In a post on X, he alleged that family members had been taken from their homes without being given reasons for their arrests.
Meanwhile, Section 144 has also been imposed separately in Islamabad for two months, with the capital’s administration banning public gatherings and assemblies and warning of legal action against violations.
The security measures are being implemented as authorities prepare for the PTI march and other planned demonstrations in and around the federal capital.
