The Punjab Home Department and Islamabad’s local administration on Thursday imposed Section 144 across the province and the federal capital, restricting public gatherings in anticipation of nationwide protests scheduled for Friday by Imran Khan’s PTI.

Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure is a legal provision that empowers district administrations to prohibit an assembly of four or more people in an area for a limited period. It is usually imposed to prevent potential disturbances, maintain law and order, and curb any activities that might escalate into violence.

PTI leader Asad Qaiser announced nationwide protests on Friday (July 26) for the release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan. PkMAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who leads the opposition alliance known as Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), also announced a major protest for the release of political prisoners on Friday, with support from JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

The PTI reiterated its intention today to hold nationwide protests on Friday under the TTAP’s banner.

In view of the situation, the Punjab Home Department issued an order today, stating that any political gathering or assembly was likely to provide a “soft target” to terrorists and miscreants due to the prevailing law and order situation and security threats.

It said any political gathering above posed “serious security threats” and was also “likely to cause a threat to public peace and order as well as inconvenience to the public at large”.

“[…] There are sufficient ground to proceed under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, as an immediate prevention and speedy remedy, to prevent disturbance of public peace, safety to lives & property of public and tranquility in the province of Punjab,” the order said.

The home department said it was “essential to ensure the security of the people and installations/buildings against any potential terrorist or untoward activity, in the larger interest of public safety, security, peace, and tranquillity.”

“Now therefore, government of the Punjab … prohibits all kinds of political assemblies, gatherings, sits-in, rallies, demonstrations, jalsas, protests and such like other activities across Punjab with effect from July 26-28,” the order said.

Meanwhile, a press release from the Islamabad district administration said Section 144 was in effect and no rally or protest would be allowed.

“Violation of Section 144 cannot be allowed under any circumstances. Action will be taken in case of violation of law. In view of the protest, a force of Islamabad police has been deployed. Citizens should avoid being part of any illegal activities,” the press release said.

The Islamabad police issued a similar warning, saying that no gathering was allowed without prior permission.

“In view of Muharram, the police are deployed at the majalis and processions. Violators of the law will be dealt with severely,” the police said.

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub called on everyone to “fully participate” in the peaceful protest across the country.

He said there would be three demands: the immediate release of incarcerated PTI leaders and supporters, peace in the country and to register a protest against growing inflation.

Ayub said the above three would be achieved when “there are fair and transparent elections once again in the country and we are rid of this Form 47-government”.

The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) is also set to hold its Islamabad sit-in on July 26 demanding a reduction in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of slab system for power tariffs, and review of agreements with independent power producers.

“The JI sit-in in Islamabad on July 26 is for the rights of the people, against inflation, and unjust taxes imposed in the recent budget,” JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman had previously told the media.

The party said it would hold its sit-in at D-Chowk at all costs despite the imposition of Section 144.