Section 144 imposed across district for 15 days over security concerns

ISLAMABAD: The district administration has enforced Section 144 across the district for 15 days, from April 6 to April 20, citing security concerns and the need to preserve law and order.

Under the order, all gatherings involving five or more people have been prohibited during the period. The restrictions also cover public meetings, rallies, protests, sit-ins and demonstrations throughout the district.

The administration has also barred the display of weapons and the carrying of hazardous materials. These include petrol bombs, ball bearings and batons, according to the order.

In addition, the administration has banned hate speech and incitement as part of the measures announced under Section 144.

Other restrictions imposed under the order include a ban on pillion riding and limits on the use of loudspeakers.

Restrictions to remain in place until April 20

The order will remain effective from April 6 through April 20. The administration said the measures were introduced in view of security concerns and to maintain public order across the district.

Section 144 is typically used by local authorities to place temporary restrictions on public activity in situations they consider sensitive from a security or law and order perspective. In this case, the administration’s order applies district-wide and covers a broad range of public gatherings and activities.

The ban specifically applies to assemblies of five or more persons, as well as organised public activity such as rallies, demonstrations, protests and sit-ins. It also extends to items and conduct that the administration said could pose a threat to public safety, including weapons, hazardous materials, hate speech and incitement.

Authorities have further restricted pillion riding and the use of loudspeakers during the enforcement period.

No additional details were provided in the order beyond the stated security concerns and the objective of maintaining law and order.