Section 144 Imposed in Islamabad, Punjab, Balochistan as PTI Holds Rally in KP’s Swabi

A ban on gatherings has been enforced across Islamabad, Punjab, and Balochistan as the PTI marked February 8 as a “black day” to commemorate the first anniversary of the controversial 2024 general elections, Dawn online newspaper reported. Despite attempts to secure permission for a rally at Minar-i-Pakistan, PTI’s request was denied by the Lahore High Court.

The imposition of Section 144, which prohibits assemblies of four or more people, aims to maintain law and order. PTI leaders, including Gohar Khan and Sheikh Waqas Akram, addressed the rally, claiming the election mandate was stolen and expressing unwavering public support for Imran Khan.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticized PTI’s actions, asserting that they cannot be allowed to “attack the state” and alleging that the party is manipulating events to undermine national dignity. He emphasized that while peaceful gatherings are acceptable, past protests have often escalated into violence.

The Punjab government justified the ban citing potential subversive activities amid rising terrorism concerns. Section 144 had previously been in effect in these regions, reflecting ongoing tensions surrounding PTI’s protests.