Sindh imposes province-wide ban on public gathering

KARACHI: The Sindh government has banned all kinds of protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, rallies, and assemblies of more than five persons across the province for one month under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.PC), citing law and order concerns and public safety.

According to a notification issued by the Home Department (No. SOJ/I/8-1/2025 Law & Order) on October 12, the decision was taken following a request from the Inspector General of Police, Sindh, who communicated that various police ranges and zones had sought such restrictions in view of the prevailing law and order situation. The order, signed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Muhammad Iqbal Memon, states that the government is satisfied that “in order to maintain law and order and to prevent miscreants from assembling in a manner prejudicial to public safety, immediate measures are necessary.”

Under the notification, all kinds of assemblies and gatherings exceeding five persons have been prohibited throughout the province for one month “in the interest of public peace.” The order authorises SHOs of all police stations to register cases under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) for violations of Section 144 Cr.PC.

The notification has been widely circulated to all divisional and district commissioners, deputy inspectors general (DIGs), and senior superintendents of police (SSPs) across the province. It has also been forwarded to the Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan, the Chief Secretary Sindh, the Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister and Governor Sindh, and the Director General Pakistan Rangers Sindh for necessary action and compliance.

The ban, enforced with immediate effect, comes amid reports of increasing political activities and protests across Sindh, and will remain in force for one month unless withdrawn or extended by the provincial government.