Punjab authorities restrict gatherings: Imposes Section 144

LAHORE: The Punjab government has enforced Section 144 across the province ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned protest on February 8.

The Punjab Home Department issued a notification restricting all political gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, sit-ins, and other similar activities across the province on Saturday.

According to the notification, the decision was made in response to a political party’s protest, citing concerns that “miscreants and mischief mongers” might exploit the demonstration to carry out subversive or anti-state activities.

The provincial intelligence committee assessed the law and order situation in light of recent terrorist incidents and recommended imposing Section 144 to safeguard public safety, protect infrastructure, and maintain peace.

It is important to note that PTI had planned to observe a nationwide black day and hold a public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan to mark the first anniversary of what they call the “fraud general elections” of 2024.

However, the Lahore district administration denied PTI’s request to hold the gathering, citing violations in a previous rally and the city’s busy schedule with international events, including a one-day cricket series and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference.

Meanwhile, in Lahore, Pakistan and New Zealand will clash in the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday. The series, featuring hosts Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, will run from February 8 to 14 in Lahore and Karachi.