Section 144 enforced in Rawalpindi ahead of PTI protests

RAWALPINDI: The local administration in Rawalpindi has announced a 15-day ban on public gatherings across the district ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests outside Adiala Jail and a separate rally scheduled for April 9.

The directive, issued by Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema on Monday, invokes Section 144 of the CrPC, prohibiting gatherings, sit-ins, and protests from April 6 to April 20, DAWN News reported on Tuesday.

The order cited a warning from the District Intelligence Committee (DIC) during its April 4 meeting, highlighting an “imminent threat” in Rawalpindi, particularly around sensitive locations, major roads, and key infrastructure. According to the DIC, intelligence indicates that certain groups are mobilising with the intent to disrupt law and order through large gatherings and protests.

The notice also warned that these groups might target vulnerable areas and could incite violence near critical installations and other sensitive sites. In response, the DC stressed the need to protect public safety and important infrastructure, banning gatherings of five or more people.

The order further prohibited the display of weapons by civilians, objectionable or inflammatory speeches, and carrying items such as spikes, petrol bombs, improvised explosives, or other objects that could be used for violence. Additional restrictions include banning pillion riding and the use of loudspeakers.

PTI has announced a “peaceful protest” outside Adiala Jail today in opposition to these restrictions and a rally in Rawalpindi on April 9, marking the anniversary of Imran Khan’s removal from office via a no-confidence vote in 2022.

On Monday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi described the April 9 gathering as a one-day, peaceful event. He said that the protest aims to draw attention to democratic backsliding, economic decline, inflation, delays in hearings of Imran Khan’s legal cases, and the alleged unlawful detention and poor treatment of him and his wife.

Afridi urged authorities to permit the gathering, warning that any denial would prompt participants to stage protests at points of obstruction. He added that his convoy would depart Peshawar for Rawalpindi at 11 AM on April 9, with supporters joining from other districts.