Authorities in Punjab and Islamabad have implemented Section 144 due to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) plans to stage nationwide protests on Friday, as reported by Pakistan-based Dawn. Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure empowers the district administration to issue public interest orders that prohibit the assembly of four or more individuals in a specific area for a set period. On July 21, PTI leader Asad Qaiser declared that protests would take place on July 26 across the country to demand the release of political prisoners, including party founder Imran Khan, and to reclaim their mandate. PkMAP leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who heads the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), announced on Tuesday that the alliance was organizing a significant protest on July 26 for the release of political prisoners. He stated that Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman would support the protest.
The home department's order stated, "Now therefore, the government of Punjab... prohibits all kinds of political assemblies, gatherings, sits-in, rallies, demonstrations, jalsas, protests, and similar activities across Punjab from July 26-28." Meanwhile, the Islamabad district administration confirmed in a press release that Section 144 was in force and no rallies or protests would be allowed. The press release emphasized, "Violation of Section 144 is not permissible under any circumstances. Legal action will be taken in case of any violation. In anticipation of the protest, the Islamabad police have been mobilized. Citizens are advised to refrain from participating in any illegal activities." Additionally, the Islamabad police issued a warning that no gatherings would be permitted without prior permission, according to the Dawn report.
