Pakistan government has imposed Section 144 in Islamabad and Rawalpindi for several days, banning public gatherings of five or more people, as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares to stage large-scale protests on Tuesday demanding access to incarcerated party founder Imran Khan.
Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry confirmed the restrictions, stating that Section 144 would be "strictly enforced without discrimination" whether protesters gather outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) or Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, where the former prime minister is being held, according to AFP.
"We cannot allow any situation that facilitates terrorism or spreads fear in the country," he said.
In Rawalpindi, more than 3,000 police personnel have been deployed, with containers blocking key routes to Adiala Jail and the Red Zone in Islamabad sealed off. Roads from Serena Chowk and NADRA Chowk have been closed to vehicular traffic.
Rawalpindi police reiterated that any violation of Section 144 - which prohibits rallies, processions, and unlawful assembly - would be dealt with strictly.
Despite the restrictions, senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser announced that lawmakers from both houses of parliament, along with party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, would protest first outside the Islamabad High Court and then march towards Adiala Jail.
"The IHC ordered meetings with Imran Khan, but neither the court nor the jail administration is implementing those orders," Qaiser said on Monday. "We will peacefully protest until our leader is allowed his legal and familial visitation rights."
Meanwhile, after days of intense drama and widespread protests sparked by rumours about Imran Khan's condition in Adiala jail, the situation appears to have settled as his sister Uzma was finally allowed to meet him. After coming out, she confirmed his status, saying, "He is doing well, fit, and alive."
She said, "He is fine but very angry. He said they are subjecting him to mental torture and not allowing him to communicate with anyone."
