In response to a call for protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in multiple cities across Punjab, the provincial government has enforced Section 144 and launched crackdown on Wednesday.
During a crackdown on the former ruling party, police detained PTI MPA Nadeem Sadiq Dogar in Faisalabad. The protests are part of PTI’s demands for the release of their detained leaders, with over 200 party workers reportedly arrested in various locations across the province.
To counter the PTI’s planned demonstrations, Section 144 has been enforced in several districts, including Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, and Sargodha, restricting public gatherings and protests. Authorities have deployed containers to block major roads and highways to curb movement.
In Bahawalpur, key routes have been sealed, with containers positioned at critical points like the Qutubpur Toll Plaza and the Empress Bridge connecting Lodhran and Bahawalpur. Additionally, Mianwali has seen its entry and exit points closed, isolating the district from its surroundings. Mobile services have been suspended in Mianwali, although internet access remains available via Wi-Fi and DSL.
Faisalabad is also under tight security, with the motorway interchange sealed and police present at all access points. All major markets in the city have been shut and cordoned off with barbed wire. Law enforcement conducted raids across Faisalabad, resulting in the arrests of over 200 PTI activists, including MPAs Ismail Seela and Hasan Niazi.
In light of these developments, a citizen named Najiullah has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court, contesting the implementation of Section 144 in Punjab. The petition argues that the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest, claiming that Section 144 is being used to suppress PTI’s activities.
The petitioner has requested the court to nullify the Section 144 notification, citing violations of constitutional rights.
Gandapur vows to reach D-Chowk on Oct 4
Meanwhile, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur reaffirmed the commitment to reaching D-Chowk in Islamabad for a scheduled protest on October 4. In a video message, he expressed confidence that citizens would rally to defend their rights and the Constitution.
Gandapur criticized both the federal and Punjab governments for their aggressive tactics, asserting that the PTI will continue to assert its constitutional rights. He warned vehicle owners against using the motorway, as any damage incurred would not be their responsibility.
He confirmed that PTI would depart from Peshawar and Swabi at designated times to participate in the demonstration. A meeting of the PTI parliamentary party, led by Gandapur, has resolved to organize a large-scale protest at Islamabad’s D-Chowk on October 4, with plans for a specially trained group to arrive ahead of the main gatherings.
