Pakistan is in turmoil again. The protests and agitation programs of various Islamic parties and Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaaf (PTI) have again increased unrest in the country. Section 144 has been imposed in Punjab and Islamabad to control the overall situation. According to Pakistan’s Express Tribune, Section 144 will be effective from Friday to Sunday.
The Pakistani administration has warned that strict action will be taken against any violation of the rules. A representative of the district administration said that Section 144 cannot be violated under any circumstances. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has protested against the massive hike in electricity prices.
Because the government of Pakistan has almost doubled the price of electricity across the country. Jamiat-e-Islami (JI) as well as Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) and other religious groups announced nationwide protests on Friday.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Supreme Court announced that the judgment of the case of Pakistani citizen Mubarak Sani, imprisoned for desecrating the Koran, will be reviewed. The parties were protesting in Pakistan for a few days around these two issues. On the other hand, PTI has announced that they will hold a protest rally for the release of party founder Imran Khan on Friday. Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, and Punjab province became uproarious about this.
Then in a statement, the Union Home Ministry said, ‘144 has been issued for an indefinite period in the capital Islamabad from Friday. This order shall remain in force until further orders. Public is requested not to violate Section 144 under any circumstances.
Strict action will be taken against those violating the order. Law enforcement personnel have been deployed in the capital and citizens have been requested to avoid participating in any illegal activities. The police have closed every connection of the capital with road barricades. The capital, Islamabad, was virtually cut off on Friday. Several leaders of Pakistan Jamaat-e-Islami (JUI-F) and PTI said that the law and order forces have launched an operation to arrest the leaders and supporters of these parties for two days. Several people have already been arrested.
Meanwhile, the Home Department has announced the implementation of Section 144 in Punjab from 26 to 28 July. The notification has banned public gatherings, gatherings, sit-ins and protests during this time. The notification informed, “The administration will ensure the implementation of this order across Punjab.”
The order further stated that such gatherings could pose a serious security threat. There is danger of disturbing public peace and order. The result may cause significant inconvenience to the public. Therefore, Section 144 has been enacted as a necessary measure against possible terrorist attacks or untoward activities to ensure public safety, maintain peace and protect establishments and buildings.
