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Punjab government on Tuesday suspended Internet and mobile services in Mianwali and two companies of Rangers have also been deployed in the district as section 144(6) in Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Mianwali, Chiniot and Jhang, restricting all forms of public gatherings ahead of PTI protests in southern Punjab.
The Punjab interior ministry cited sufficient grounds to invoke Section 144, aiming to prevent disruptions to public peace, protect lives and property, and ensure tranquility in these districts.
The notification stated that the enforcement of Section 144 prohibits political gatherings and protest activities as a precaution against the risks of terrorism.
The notification for Faisalabad and Bahawalpur bans “all kinds of political assemblies, gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, demonstrations, jalsas, protests, and similar activities” for two days, while in Mianwali, the ban will remain in effect for seven days.
PTI has organized multiple protests nationwide, aimed at “saving the constitution,” opposing the “illegal” imprisonment of party founder Imran Khan, and criticizing the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for delays in implementing the Supreme Court’s ruling on reserved seats.
Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, issued a new call for nationwide protests yesterday, demanding “independence of the judiciary,” including a planned demonstration in Islamabad, where public gatherings are already banned.
In line with the PTI founder’s announcement, protests are scheduled for tomorrow in Mianwali, Faisalabad, and Bahawalpur.
Separately, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram confirmed “large protests” will be held in Multan, Mianwali, and Faisalabad on October 2.
