QUETTA: The Balochistan government has imposed Section 144 in the entire province for the next 15 days banning all kinds of gathering and display of weapons.
A notification issued by the Balochistan Home Department stated that “there exists fear of breach of peace and threat to the general law and order in the Balochistan Province.”
On security grounds, the provincial government imposed “Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898 in a necessary move to ensure public safety, conserve lives, and maintain peace and tranquillity in the Balochistan Province.”
As per the notification, there will be a complete ban on the sit-ins, processions, and rallies and display or use of weapons for 15 days in the entire province with immediate effect.
The decision came amid the recent surge of terrorist attacks in the province and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) call for a protest march in Islamabad.
Ahead of the demonstration, authorities have been taking preemptive measures including the imposition of Section 144 in Punjab and Islamabad and the closure of motorways and GT Road leading to the federal capital.
Earlier this week, incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan called for a massive protest in Islamabad on November 24, warning that those who do not participate will be expelled from the party.