Security concerns: Punjab govt imposes Section 144 in multiple districts

LAHORE: The Punjab government on Tuesday imposed Section 144 in several districts, including Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, and Mianwali, ahead of a planned rally by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in southern Punjab.

Separate notifications issued by the Punjab Home Department for Mianwali, Faisalabad and Bahawalpur cited security concerns, warning that PTI rallies could be exploited by terrorists to carry out subversive activities, given the recent threat alerts received.

According to the notifications, the current law and order situation poses a “soft target” for miscreants, creating a serious security risk. The imposition of Section 144 is intended to prevent public unrest, ensuring the safety of lives and property in the districts. The directives prohibit all forms of public gatherings, including political assemblies, sit-ins, protests and rallies.

The ban will remain in effect for two days in Faisalabad and Bahawalpur, while Mianwali faces a week-long restriction. Officials stated that there were sufficient grounds to invoke Section 144 to maintain public peace and tranquility across these regions.