RAWALPINDI:Keeping in view the law and order situation in Punjab, deputy commissioner Rawalpindi has extended section144for a week in the district till May 28.

Earlier,section144 wasimposed in Rawalpindi and Murree districts from May 15 to May 21. Under this, allkinds of assemblies,gatherings, sits-in, rallies, processions, demonstrations, jalsas, dharnas, protests and other activities have been banned, according to a statement.

It stated that carrying of weapons, spikes, laden batons, ball bearings, petrol bombs, improvised explosives or any other instrument that could potentially be used for violence is also not allowed.

Attempt to remove any restriction imposed by a police officer to regulate assembly of persons or movement of traffic will not be tolerated, it stated, adding use of loudspeaker without permission of lawful authority (except for azaan) will also not be permitted.

There is also a ban on pillion riding within the jurisdiction of Rawalpindidistrict and this order shall not apply to armedforces and police personnelin uniform and on duty, it stated.

Exemption is allowed for females and childrenunder the age of 12 years and press personnelin possession of valid photo identity besides CNIC, it added.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2023