Islamabad Bans Rallies Ahead of PTI March for Imran Khan
Islamabad has imposed Section 144 for two months ahead of PTI’s September 27 march demanding the release of Imran Khan.
Pakistan’s Islamabad administration has imposed Section 144 across the federal capital for two months, restricting public gatherings, rallies, processions and demonstrations ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s planned march on September 27. The order also covers the high-security Red Zone and prohibits gatherings of five or more people.
The PTI has announced the march to demand the release of its founder and jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. The party has also said the protest will raise issues related to constitutional supremacy and the rule of law. PTI leaders are expected to announce further details of the mobilisation on September 25.
The Islamabad administration said the restrictions were necessary to maintain public order and warned that violations could result in legal action. Section 144 was separately imposed across Punjab, while the provincial government has sought additional security deployments in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali ahead of the planned demonstration.
The Islamabad High Court had earlier ruled that political parties and public office holders cannot block roads in the capital and directed provincial governments to ensure that government resources and official machinery are not used for political protests.
Authorities are also preparing additional security and traffic measures around Islamabad as the September 27 march approaches. The restrictions come amid heightened political tensions surrounding Khan’s continued imprisonment and the PTI’s plans to mobilise supporters.
