Section 144 imposed in Mianwali, Bahawalpur and Faisalabad ahead of PTI protests

As the PTI gears up for widespread protests in southern Punjab, the Punjab government on Tuesday imposed Section 144(6) in Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, and Mianwali, restricting all forms of public gatherings.

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 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.