Section 144 enforced for 15 days in Balochistan

Quetta: The Balochistan government imposed Section 144 across the province for the next 15 days and banned all kinds of gatherings and display of weapons.

A notification issued by the Home Department of Balochistan said that “there is a threat to law and order and general peace and order in the province of Balochistan.”

On security grounds, the provincial government “implemented Section 144 of the Criminal Code 1898 as a necessary measure to ensure public safety, safeguard lives and maintain peace and tranquility in the province of Balochistan.”

According to the notification, dharnas, processions, rallies and display or use of weapons will be banned immediately across the province for 15 days.

The decision comes amid a recent surge in terror attacks in the province and a call by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) for a protest march in Islamabad.

Ahead of the demonstration, the authorities are taking precautionary measures including the imposition of Section 144 in Punjab and Islamabad and the closure of the motorways and GT Road leading to the federal capital.

Earlier this week, jailed former prime minister Imran Khan called for mass protests in Islamabad on November 24, warning that those who did not participate would be expelled from the party.