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Pakistan Bans Islamabad Gatherings Ahead Of PTI March
Pakistan has temporarily stopped large public gatherings in Islamabad.
The rule says that five or more people cannot gather for protests, rallies or processions.
It will last for two months.
The decision comes before a planned September 27 march by Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
The party wants Khan released from jail and is also calling for constitutional supremacy and the rule of law.
Officials are preparing police and other security measures to prevent protesters from entering the capital.
Punjab has introduced similar restrictions in parts of the province.
Officials may also limit phone and internet services in some nearby areas.
A farmers’ group is planning a separate march about the rising cost of farm supplies.
Islamabad authorities imposed Section 144 for two months, banning gatherings of five or more people, rallies, processions and demonstrations.
The restrictions cover the federal capital, including the high-security Red Zone, and violations could lead to legal action.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf plans a march to Islamabad on September 27 to seek Imran Khan’s release and demand constitutional supremacy and rule of law.
Punjab has also imposed Section 144, while authorities are seeking additional security and possible mobile and internet restrictions in nearby districts.
A farmers’ group called Kissan Ittehad has separately announced a march to Islamabad over rising agricultural input costs.
- Who
- Islamabad authorities, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan’s supporters and the Kissan Ittehad farmers’ group.
- What
- Authorities banned gatherings of five or more people, processions, rallies and demonstrations in Islamabad for two months ahead of planned marches.
- Where
- Across Islamabad, including the Red Zone, with related preparations in Punjab, Rawalpindi and Attock.
- When
- The Islamabad order was issued on September 18; the PTI march is planned for September 27.
- Why
- Authorities cited public-order and security concerns, while PTI says its march is intended to seek Imran Khan’s release and demand constitutional supremacy and the rule of law.
PTI and Protest Organizers
Government and Security Authorities
Purpose of the march
PTI and Protest Organizers
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf says the march will seek Imran Khan’s release and press for constitutional supremacy and the rule of law.
Government and Security Authorities
Authorities are preparing measures to prevent protesters from entering Islamabad and have urged PTI leaders to reconsider the march.
Public gatherings
PTI and Protest Organizers
PTI plans to mobilize workers across the country and announce its detailed protest plan.
Government and Security Authorities
Islamabad authorities say gatherings of five or more people, rallies, processions and demonstrations are prohibited for two months, with legal action possible for violations.
Use of government resources
PTI and Protest Organizers
PTI is pursuing a political protest in the capital despite the restrictions.
Government and Security Authorities
The Islamabad High Court ruled that political parties and public office holders cannot block roads or use government personnel and resources for political protests.
Key facts
- Restriction
- Section 144 prohibits gatherings of five or more people, processions, rallies and demonstrations in Islamabad.
- Duration
- The Islamabad order remains in force for two months.
- Planned PTI march
- September 27, targeting Islamabad.
- PTI demands
- Release of Imran Khan, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law.
- Additional restrictions
- Punjab has separately imposed Section 144.
- Security measures
- Authorities sought Rangers deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali and possible communications restrictions in Rawalpindi and Attock.
- Other planned protest
- Kissan Ittehad announced a march over rising agricultural input costs.
Sources
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