Lahore/Islamabad (Web Desk): Section 144 has been imposed across Punjab and Islamabad, banning public gatherings and protest rallies for three days.
According to the notification, issued on Wednesday, section 144 will be in effect from Friday (today)
The moves comes ahead of protest rallies announced by different opposition parties.
According to a statement, the capital administration has warned that any violations of Section 144 will be met with strict action.
It is pertinent to mention that that Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced to stage sit- against a massive hike in the prices of electricity while Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and other religious parties have announced countrywide protests on Friday against the Supreme Court’s decision in the Mubarak Sani case.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also announced to stage demonstrations on Friday for the release of the party's founder and former premier Imran Khan.
As per the reports personnel of law enforcement agencies have been deployed in the federal capital to ensure compliance and citizens are urged to avoid participating in any illegal activity.
On Thursday, the Punjab Home Department announced a province-wide enforcement of Section 144 from July 26 to 28.
According to a notification issued by the provincial government, public gatherings, rallies, sit-ins and protests are prohibited during this period, as such gatherings could be soft targets for terrorist activities.
"The administration will ensure the implementation of the order across Punjab," the notification added.
Moreover, the federal capital has been completely sealed off with containers, effectively isolating it from surrounding areas, including Rawalpindi.