Amid persistent rumours regarding the health and rumours of death of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, authorities have imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi, effectively banning all public gatherings. The move comes as Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party announced protests demanding access to the jailed leader.
An order issued by Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema states that Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2024, would remain in force from December 1 to December 3. Officials say the restrictions are necessary due to an “imminent threat” to public safety and order.
The order prohibits the following for three days:
All types of gatherings, including rallies, protests, sit-ins, demonstrations, and assemblies of five or more people