Section 144 imposed in Punjab ahead of PTI protest

As Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares to gather for a political rally, Section 144 has been imposed by the Punjab government in view of the law and order situation.

According to the notification issued by the provincial home ministry on Thursday, the ban was imposed across the province for three days.

The enforcement of Section 144 aims to maintain law and order situation and protect the life and property of the citizens in Punjab.

Under the order, which will be effective from July 26 to 28, processions, rallies, sit-ins and protests across the province were banned.

The notification stated that due to the given threats, public gatherings could be the easiest target for terrorists.

The notification directed the administration to ensure the implementation of the order.

However, the development comes at a time when the opposition party is set to hold protests in Pakistan's largest province on July 26 against the incarceration of PTI founder, Imran Khan.

Earlier, the former ruling party had cancelled the rally on July 6 as the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad suspended the No Objection Certificate (NOC) due to the implementation of the same section for the same reason.

Later, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) set aside DC's ban and ordered him to decide the party’s request for issuance of NOC by the law.