ISLAMABAD (MNN); The Islamabad district magistrate has issued a notification enforcing Section 144 across the Islamabad Capital Territory for a period of two months. A separate order issued by the Rawalpindi deputy commissioner imposed the same restriction from Monday until December 3.
Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code authorises district authorities to restrict gatherings of four or more individuals for a specified duration.
The Islamabad notification stated that the step was taken due to reports that certain groups were planning to organise unlawful assemblies within the federal capital.
The order bans gatherings of five or more people, rallies, protests and public demonstrations across District Islamabad, including the Red Zone. It added that the restriction is necessary to prevent disorder and maintain public safety. The directive takes effect immediately and will remain active until January 18, 2026.
In Rawalpindi, the restriction was introduced based on intelligence reports suggesting potential threats near sensitive buildings, major highways and vital infrastructure. Authorities said certain groups were preparing to mobilise protestors, possibly with violent intentions, near important locations. Public assemblies and display of weapons have been prohibited in Rawalpindi for three days.
Earlier, the PTI parliamentary committee announced a protest outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and Adiala Jail on Tuesday, citing repeated denial of meetings with party founder Imran Khan. The former prime minister, jailed since August 2023 following multiple convictions he claims are politically motivated, has allegedly been denied visits from his family, lawyers and KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi despite court permission.
Meanwhile, The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday submitted an official list of individuals who will meet the party’s imprisoned founder, Imran Khan, at Adiala Jail on Tuesday.
The list features Barrister Gohar, Salman Akram Raja, Salman Safdar, Ali Zaman, Sardar Nabi and Talat Mahmood.
In addition, Imran Khan’s sisters — Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi — are due to visit, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi may travel from Peshawar for the meeting.
Strict security arrangements have been put in place around Adiala Jail. Authorities have ordered traders in Gorakhpur Bazaar to keep their shops closed on Tuesday, while private educational institutions in nearby areas will also remain shut.
More than 80 police checkpoints will be established on Adiala Road, Gorakhpur and connecting localities to screen vehicles and manage movement. Law enforcement agencies have been placed on high alert to ensure public order.
Section 144 is already effective in Rawalpindi from December 1 to 3, banning public gatherings, rallies and assemblies of five or more people. The display of weapons, pillion riding and loudspeaker use are restricted as well. Islamabad continues to enforce the same ban due to prevailing security concerns.
Authorities have cautioned that violations of Section 144 will lead to immediate legal action and have urged citizens to avoid unauthorised gatherings.
