Section 144 enforced to stop nationwide protests

Troubles are once again brewing in Islamabad as the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have announced their decisions to launch (separate) protests. To contain the possible fallout from the protests by limiting the number of people who may assemble/gather anywhere, Punjab’s Home Department and Islamabad’s local government have clamped Section 144 across the province and the federal capital.

Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure authorises district administrations to prohibit an assembly of four or more people in a given location for a specified time. It is typically imposed to avert possible disturbances, maintain law and order, and limit activities that could escalate into violence.

On Friday (July 26), PTI leader Asad Qaiser declared nationwide protests calling for the liberation of political prisoners, including former premier Imran Khan. Chairman of PkMAP Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who leads the opposition alliance known as Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), announced a large protest for the release of political prisoners, which was supported by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

In view of the situation, the Punjab Home Department has issued an order, declaring that any political gathering or assembly was likely to serve as a "soft target" for terrorists and miscreants due to the current law and order situation and security risks.

It stated that any of the aforementioned political gatherings were "serious security threats" and were also "likely to cause a threat to public peace and order as well as inconvenience to the public at large".

"[…] There are sufficient ground to proceed under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, as an immediate prevention and speedy remedy, to prevent disturbance of public peace, safety to lives & property of public and tranquilly in the province of Punjab," the court's ruling stated.

According to the home department, it was "essential to ensure the security of the people and installations/buildings against any potential terrorist or untoward activity, in the larger interest of public safety, security, peace, and tranquillity."

Meanwhile, the Islamabad district administration issued a press release stating that Section 144 was in place and no rallies or protests would be permitted.

"Violation of Section 144 is strictly prohibited under any circumstances. If there is a breach of the law, action will be taken. A large number of Islamabad police officers have been deployed in response to the demonstration. The news announcement stated that citizens should avoid participating in any criminal activities.

The Islamabad police issued a similar warning, stating that no gatherings were permitted without prior approval.

"In preparation for Muharram, police are stationed at majalis and processions. "Violators of the law will face severe consequences," the police stated.

Omar Ayub, the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, urged everyone to "fully participate" in the country's nonviolent protests.

He stated that there would be three demands: the immediate release of detained PTI officials and followers, peace in the country, and a protest against rising prices.

Ayub stated that the aforementioned three goals would be met until "fair and transparent elections are held again in the country, and we are rid of this Form 47-government."

The Jamaat-i-Islami also wants to organise a sit-in in Islamabad, to demand a reduction in electricity tariffs, the removal of the power tariff slab system, and a review of agreements with independent power producers.

“The JI sit-in in Islamabad on July 26 is for the rights of the people, against inflation, and unjust taxes imposed in the recent budget,” JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman had previously told the media.

The party said it would hold its sit-in at D-Chowk at all costs despite the imposition of Section 144.