In a decisive move, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 in several districts, including Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, and Mianwali. This measure comes in response to heightened security concerns surrounding planned PTI rallies.
Separate notifications issued by the Punjab Home Department for Mianwali, Faisalabad, and Bahawalpur highlighted the potential for these rallies to be exploited by terrorists, given recent threat alerts. The notifications underscored the prevailing law and order situation, describing it as a “soft target” for miscreants and a serious security risk.
The imposition of Section 144 aims to prevent public unrest and ensure the safety of lives and property in these districts. The directives specifically prohibit all forms of public gatherings, including political assemblies, sit-ins, protests, and rallies.
The ban will be effective for two days in Faisalabad and Bahawalpur, while Mianwali will face a week-long restriction. Officials stated that there are sufficient grounds to invoke Section 144 to maintain public peace and tranquility across these regions.
