Islamabad authorities have reimposed Section 144, banning gatherings of five or more people across the city for the next two months, following plans for a major protest by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The official order, issued on Monday by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, prohibits all types of public gatherings, including religious, political, and other events, to maintain public order.
This new restriction comes just days after the previous Section 144 order, which was in place to address air pollution, expired on November 17. The move is seen as a precaution ahead of PTI’s planned “peaceful” protest on November 24, with the party aiming to bring large numbers of supporters into Islamabad from all directions.
PTI leadership has made it clear that they are determined to reach the capital, and significant preparations are underway to ensure the protest goes ahead. Provincial convoys will travel towards Islamabad, with specific routes assigned to each region, but the final location for the sit-in remains undecided. D-Chowk is a possible destination for the protest, but that decision is still to be confirmed.
The PTI has also emphasized that the protest will continue indefinitely, underscoring its commitment to peaceful political action and the constitutional right to protest. Party leader Imran Khan has framed the November 24 protest as a decisive moment for the future of the party, with the day marking a critical turning point in the political struggle.
In preparation for the protest, PTI has urged supporters to participate in large convoys, documenting the event with detailed videos capturing both the vehicles and the people involved. The party has made it clear that this protest is a crucial moment in determining the party’s direction.
