Pakistan has imposed Section 144 in Dera Ismail Khan, banning public gatherings, rallies, processions and motorcycle pillion riding until 11 November…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Authorities in Pakistan have imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, banning public gatherings, rallies, processions and motorcycle pillion riding until 11 November. The restrictions come amid heightened political tensions in the province following the federal government’s imposition of emergency measures and Governor’s Rule.
The district administration issued the order on Wednesday following a request from the District Police Officer (DPO), citing the prevailing law and order situation and concerns that public gatherings and marches could disrupt traffic, restrict public movement and affect essential services, Pakistani daily The Express Tribune reported.
The restrictions prohibit assemblies, rallies, processions and marches that could disturb public peace and tranquillity. Pillion riding on motorcycles has also been banned.
The order further prohibits displaying, carrying or possessing weapons, as well as erecting or using tents, temporary structures and other obstructions on public roads, highways and other public places if they could impede traffic movement.
Authorities have also barred activities considered likely to threaten public safety, disrupt essential services or disturb public order. The restrictions took effect immediately and will remain in force until 11 November.
The latest order comes days after Pakistan’s federal government imposed emergency measures and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, suspending the provincial government led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), founded by former prime minister Imran Khan.
On 11 October, President Asif Ali Zardari approved the measures following recommendations from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet. The federal government also announced the deployment of security forces in the province.
The decision came as the PTI was preparing major protests demanding the release of its founder, Imran Khan, according to Pakistani daily Dawn.
The move has drawn strong criticism from PTI leaders, who have accused the federal government of undermining democratic institutions and provincial autonomy.
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PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari condemned the imposition of Governor’s Rule, describing it as a “coup disguised as emergency”.
“Strongly condemn the arrest of the only mandated Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and of Junaid Akbar. This coup disguised as emergency or Governor rule has squashed the only little bit of democracy left in Pakistan. Further instability and collateral damage to follow. The regime must be feeling very proud,” Bukhari wrote on X.
PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan also condemned the emergency measures, calling the federal government’s decision a “political mistake and undemocratic”.
He said there was no disagreement over the need to eliminate terrorism but argued that counter-terrorism efforts should not be used to suppress public opinion, pursue political objectives or restrict the province’s constitutional authority.
“We strongly condemn the imposition of emergency in the province in the strongest terms and completely reject this action. This is an extremely alarming and grave political mistake and an undemocratic measure — the people will never accept such actions against their rights,” Khan posted on X.
The restrictions in Dera Ismail Khan add to the measures introduced amid the political and security tensions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the federal government’s decision to impose Governor’s Rule has intensified opposition criticism.
