Pakistan government has imposed Section 144 in Islamabad and Rawalpindi for several days, banning public gatherings of five or more people, as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares to stage large-scale protests on Tuesday demanding access to incarcerated party founder Imran Khan.
Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry confirmed the restrictions, stating that Section 144 would be “strictly enforced without discrimination” whether protesters gather outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) or Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where the former prime minister is being held.
“Intelligence reports necessitated the imposition of Section 144,” Chaudhry told reporters in Islamabad, warning that terrorists often exploit political gatherings to carry out attacks. “We cannot allow any situation that facilitates terrorism or spreads fear in the country.”
The minister also issued a stern warning to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government officials and police, citing a Peshawar High Court ruling that prohibits the use of provincial resources for political activities outside KP. “If KP police or officials come to Islamabad without prior intimation, criminal cases will be registered,” he said.
Heavy security deployment
In Rawalpindi, more than 3,000 police personnel have been deployed, with containers blocking key routes to Adiala Jail and the Red Zone in Islamabad sealed off. Roads from Serena Chowk and NADRA Chowk have been closed to vehicular traffic.
Rawalpindi police reiterated that any violation of Section 144 – which prohibits rallies, processions, and unlawful assembly – would be dealt with strictly.
PTI vows to go ahead with protests
Despite the restrictions, senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser announced that lawmakers from both houses of parliament, along with party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, would protest first outside the Islamabad High Court and then march towards Adiala Jail.
“The IHC ordered meetings with Imran Khan, but neither the court nor the jail administration is implementing those orders,” Qaiser said on Monday. “We will peacefully protest until our leader is allowed his legal and familial visitation rights.”
The protests come after repeated failed attempts by PTI leaders and family members – including KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur (earlier referred to as Sohail Afridi in some reports) – to meet Imran Khan. Last week, Gandapur held a sit-in outside Adiala Jail after being denied entry for the eighth time.
Govt links protests to nat’l security, recalls 2023 violence
Tallal Chaudhry invoked the violent riots of May 9, 2023 – which erupted after Imran Khan’s arrest – warning that any unrest could have nationwide repercussions. “They will create chaos themselves and then disown it, just like May 9,” he alleged.
The minister also announced that the government, in coordination with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), would tighten regulations on VPN usage, claiming terrorists were using encrypted apps to plan attacks while hiding their locations.
New Islamabad jail and visa for Imran’s Sons
When asked about reports of shifting Imran Khan to a new prison in Islamabad, Chaudhry said the facility was in its final stages but “not being built for any one individual.” He added that visas for Imran Khan’s sons would be issued within 24 hours once proper documentation was submitted.
As tensions rise in the twin cities, authorities have urged political parties to cooperate in maintaining peace, while PTI insists its protests will remain peaceful but firm until visitation rights are restored.