Section 144 imposed in Punjab amid security concerns

LAHORE: The Punjab government has extended Section 144 in the province for seven days due to security concerns.
The Home Ministry has called a nationwide protest meeting by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at 2 pm today to protect the sanctity of the vote.
The order issued by the department states that Section 144 will be extended in the province from June 21 to June 27.
The order states that during this period, all gatherings, parties, processions, processions, protests, gatherings and other activities will be banned in Punjab.
The Interior Department said that due to public order and security threats in the province, any gathering of people could be a soft target for terrorists and criminals and pose a serious threat to law and order.
The Punjab government on Friday imposed Section 144 in the province, banning protests and mass gatherings, citing “existing law and order”.
The introduction of Section 144 in Punjab comes as the PTI plans to hold nationwide protests today demanding the release of jailed leader Imran Khan.
Section 144 came into effect immediately and will remain in force for seven days, according to an order issued by the Home Department seen by Dawn.com.
The Punjab Police said Section 144 gives the power to issue orders in public interest which can prohibit any activity for a specified period of time.
The order reads: “Given the existing law and order and security threats, any assembly/congregation that provides a soft target for terrorists and criminals is not only a serious threat but also a possibility. endangering the peace and order of the community and causing inconvenience to the general public.”
Although no specific reason was given for the ban, Justice Secretary Noor Ul Amin Mengal wrote in the order that “substantial and sufficient grounds exist for proceeding under Section 144 […] Punjab”. open the topic.
The order states that meetings, gatherings, parties, processions, marches, demonstrations, jalsa, dharna, protest and other activities are strictly prohibited.
The introduction of Section 144 in Punjab came as the PTI announced a nationwide protest for the release of jailed leader Imran Khan.
According to reports on social media platforms, there have been “several illegal police raids” at the PTI leader’s house in Khanewal.
The party also claimed that PTI PP-209 chief Khanewal Humayun Khan’s office was raided by the police and ransacked.
Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub in his speech in the National Assembly today condemned the introduction of Section 144 and Deputy Chairman NA Ghulam Mustafa Shah said the ban was unconstitutional.
PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan condemned the ban as a “shameful act by the entire spectrum of the criminal 47 government”.
Posting on X, he claimed that the introduction of Section 144 showed the government how low Imran had fallen and said that it would only lead to the actions of party founders.
“Imran Khan will win. The people will win. Pakistan will win. “No one can stop him from achieving his dream.”