LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called for protests across several cities in Punjab, prompting the government to enforce Section 144 and increase security measures to maintain order in various districts.
These protests are being held in response to PTI’s demand for the release of its detained leaders.
In light of PTI’s protest plans, Section 144, which restricts public gatherings and protests, has been imposed for two days in key divisions including Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, and Sargodha. Authorities have blocked highways and roads using containers to prevent movement and potential disruptions.
In Bahawalpur, major routes in and out of the city have been sealed off, with containers placed at strategic points such as Qutubpur Toll Plaza, Mewati in Dunyapur, and Empress Bridge, which links Lodhran and Bahawalpur. Additionally, five main highways from Lodhran to Bahawalpur have been secured with checkposts.
In Mianwali, the district’s entry and exit points have been sealed, cutting off the city from surrounding areas. As part of the crackdown, mobile phone services have been suspended in the district, though internet access remains available through Wi-Fi and DSL services.
Faisalabad is also witnessing strict security measures, with the city’s motorway interchange sealed off and police stationed at all entry points to prevent access. Convoys have been banned, and ordinary citizens face restrictions on movement.
Furthermore, all eight major markets in Faisalabad have been shut down and sealed with barbed wire. Police raids across the city resulted in the arrest of over 200 PTI activists, including two MPAs, Ismail Seela and Hasan Niazi, from Jhang Bazaar, as well as Sahibzada Hamid Raza’s brother. These arrests took place ahead of a planned PTI protest at Chowk Ghant Ghar.
Petition Against Section 144
In response to the government’s actions, a citizen named Najiullah has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court, challenging the imposition of Section 144 in Punjab. The petition argues that the Constitution of Pakistan grants citizens the right to peaceful protest and claims that the government’s use of Section 144 is aimed solely at suppressing PTI’s protest movement.
The petitioner has requested the court to nullify the notification of Section 144, stating that it violates constitutional rights.
