Section 144 implemented in Punjab ahead of by-election

LAHORE: The Punjab government implemented section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) of Pakistan constitution ahead of the by-election in various districts of Punjab.

According to reports, the enforcement of section 144 extends to districts including Lahore, Kasur, Chakwal, Bhakkar, Rahim Yar Khan, Wazirabad, Narowal, Sheikhupura, and Dera Ghazi Khan.

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The measures will be effective from Thursday till Monday and aims to maintain law and order during the electoral process. Under the law, citizens are prohibited from carrying or displaying firearms and weapons.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has distributed approximately 6.23 million ballot papers to the concerned Returning Officers (ROs) for the by-elections in 21 constituencies. These constituencies include five National Assembly seats and 16 provincial assembly seats.

The ballot papers consist of green-colored papers for the National Assembly and white-colored papers for the provincial assemblies. The distribution of these ballot papers aims to ensure a smooth voting process.

Reportedly, almost 2.55 million voters will vote in the National Assembly elections and around 3.61 million voters in the provincial assembly elections.

Section 144 imposed in Abbottabad

Meanwhile, section 144 was imposed in Abbottabad by the district administration to maintain law and order from Friday till Saturday.

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The restrictions under Section 144 include the prohibition of protests, flying drones within a specified radius, use of loudspeakers, or public gatherings.

The section was implemented to manage law and order situation during a parade at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul.