The district administration has banned public gatherings, processions, rallies and demonstrations in Islamabad and Section 144 continues to be in effect in the federal capital.
The order was issued by Additional District Magistrate of Islamabad on September 18 and was to come into effect immediately. It will continue to be in effect for two months, and will affect the entire district, including the Red Zone.
The order bans public gatherings of five or more people. The administration has also prohibited processions, rallies and demonstrations, due to the risk of disorder, public peace and safety.
The restrictions coincide with a buildup of political activity in Islamabad that is set to begin. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has announced a long march on 27th September and the Kissan Ittehad has announced a march and sit-in in the capital, Dawn reported.
The district administration said the restrictions are also being implemented in accordance with the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024. The officials appealed to the people to obey the orders and refrain from any law-breaking activities.
The 2024 law is for the Islamabad Capital Territory and covers public gatherings, religious and political meetings. It is an assembly of more than 15 persons in a public place, road or premises open to the air.
The existing Section 144 restrictions are more stringent in terms of the number of people, with a ban on any public gathering of five or more people. The district administration has stated that legal action may be taken for violation.
The law under the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act provides for up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both for anyone who participates in an unlawful assembly.
The government has also called on the public to cooperate with the security and law-enforcement agencies during the period of the restrictions. The measures are aimed at ensuring public order and the safety of people and property, officials said.
Security arrangements have also been made in Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolis. Dawn reported that Punjab had separately declared Section 144 throughout the province for 13 days and that security forces had been requested to provide extra security in a few districts in anticipation of the protest on September 27.
The restrictions for Islamabad residents at present imply that public meetings, processions, demonstrations and rallies under the order are not allowed. The measures will remain in force for the two-month period provided for in the measures, unless the authorities decide to change or withdraw them beforehand.
