Section 144 extended in Islamabad ahead of PTI rally 

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad district administration has extended Section 144 for another two months, prohibiting public gatherings, rallies and processions in the city. 

The extension comes as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has announced a “do or die” rally in the federal capital on November 24, which the party leadership said, would be indefinite until their jailed leader and former prime minister Imran Khan was released and cases withdrawn.

According to a notification issued by the Islamabad district administration, assemblies of five or more people was prohibited in areas including the Red Zone, Third Avenue, Murree Road, South University Road, Fourth Avenue, D-Chowk, and other public spaces throughout Islamabad. 

The restrictions also include a ban on objectionable speeches, slogans, and the use of loudspeakers or amplifiers.

The notification said that fireworks and the possession or display of weapons had been prohibited, although armed forces, police and parliamentary forces were exempted from the ban. 

The notification said that the new measures have been taken to maintain public order.

The PTI has finalised its protest strategy, planning a coordinated demonstration and march on Islamabad from all provinces on November 24. 

According to party sources, the PTI leadership was determined to reach the federal capital despite anticipated obstacles and barricades by the government. 

Party leaders in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been tasked with mobilising maximum participation leading up to the protest day. They have been asked to sustain efforts until reinforcements arrive from other provinces.