Rawalpindi enforces Section 144 ahead of PTI protest

Rawalpindi district administration on Monday imposed Section 144 for 15 days ahead of a protest announced by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) outside Adiala Jail. According to a notification, Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Hassan Waqar Cheema, citing the law and order situation, imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) within the district from April 6 to April 20. The notification stated that the District Intelligence Committee (DIC), in its meeting, warned of an imminent threat within the district, particularly around sensitive installations, major roads and other critical infrastructure, which may pose a serious risk to human life, public property and overall peace and order. “DIC has reported specific intelligence suggesting that certain groups and elements are actively mobilising with intentions to disturb the law and order situation through large gatherings, protests and disruptive assemblies,” it said. The notification added that such elements may target soft locations and mobilise individuals to engage in violent actions near key installations and other sensitive sites, thereby endangering public peace and tranquillity. To ensure the security of people and installations against any potential threat, the district administration has banned all kinds of assemblies and gatherings of more than five persons, including sit-ins, rallies, processions, demonstrations, jalsas and dharnas. The order also prohibits the carrying of weapons, spikes, batons, gulels, ball bearings, petrol bombs, improvised explosives or any other instruments that could be used for violence. Display of arms (other than by law enforcement agencies), objectionable or hate speech, pillion riding and the use of loudspeakers have also been banned. Special security arrangements have been finalised in Rawalpindi ahead of a possible PTI protest outside Adiala Jail in connection with a meeting with party founder Imran Khan. PTI has also announced a protest for April 9, the date the party was removed from power four years ago following a no-confidence motion. Read More: Khosa raises concern over Imran health Imran has been in custody since August 2023 and is serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case. He also faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act in connection with the May 9, 2023, protests. The PTI has intensified calls for his release after a medical report submitted to the Supreme Court stated that vision in his right eye had dropped to 15 per cent. Government officials, however, maintain that he is receiving appropriate medical care.