Section 144: Public gatherings and weapon display banned in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The district administration on Wednesday imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code in the capital city for two months banning public gatherings and display of weapons in Islamabad.

The notification cites that "certain segments of society are planning to take out processions [and] are likely to threaten public peace and tranquility", as pertaining to rising calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after JIT’s report and threats of countrywide protest from the opposition parties.

The notice of implementation, effective immediately for two months, has been issued by the Islamabad district commissioner Mushtaq Ahmed under which public gatherings of five or more people, processions, and rallies in any public place within the limits of the area is prohibited.

According to the notification, certain segments of society are planning to stage demonstrations and carry out religious/sectarian processions that will endanger human life and safety, and pose a threat to public property in the capital.

It is pertinent to mention that after the Panama case JIT report disclosure, the opposition leaders have demanded resignation of the prime minister and are devising alternative measures including protests to pressurise the government.