In a major development, Punjab Home Department has imposed Section 144 in Lahore banning public rallies in the provincial capital. The move comes ahead of the PTI rally and Aurat March scheduled today.
According to the details, the provincial administration has restricted all kinds of corner meetings, jalsa, public gatherings, and congregations in the areas for a period of seven days.
The Home Department observed that number of rallies and protests are held therein on daily basis at different places in Lahore, which not only pose serious security threats but also disrupt traffic and cause inconvenience to the public at large.
The order stated that due to prevailing threats, it is essential to ensure the security of the people and installations/buildings against any potential terrorist or untoward activity, in the larger interest of public safety, security, peace, and tranquility.
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Pertinent to mention that PTI had announced launching the election campaign today from Lahore in a public gathering with a rally led by Imran Khan. On the same day, in honor of International Women’s Day today, Aurat March was to be held.
“The ban on political gatherings in Punjab is the new weapon of the fascist government, the imperialist forces have always been afraid of the people. The people of Pakistan have always fought for their rights,” Fawad Chaudhry said, reacting to the ban.
پنجاب میں سیاسی اجتماعات پر پابندی فسطائ حکومت کا نیا ہتھیار ہے، سامراجی قوتیں ہمیشہ عوام سے خوفزدہ رہی ہیں پاکستان کے عوام نے اپنے حقوق کیلئے ہمیشہ لڑائ لڑی ہے ہم اپنے حق سے دستبردار نہیں ہوں گے اس فاشسٹ حکومت کے خلاف جدوجہد میں مزید تیزی آئیگی
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) March 8, 2023
“So much fear? The rally has not even come out yet,” Hammad Azhar also said.
اتنا خوف؟ ابھی تو ریلی نکلی بھی نہیں۔ pic.twitter.com/dRKba3LWs2
— Hammad Azhar (@Hammad_Azhar) March 8, 2023
Earlier, the Punjab Home Department on Wednesday had asked the PTI leaders in Lahore to take “extra precaution” in view of party’s rally in Lahore today, saying such public gatherings in the face of security threats are “not advisable”.
The provincial authorities conveyed its concerns to PTI Central Punjab President Dr Yasmin Rashid through a letter, asking the party to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
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