QUETTA: The Balochistan government has extended the enforcement of Section 144 in Quetta until January 31, citing the prevailing law and order situation in the provincial capital, officials said on Tuesday.
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According to a notification issued by the Balochistan Home Department, the extension aims to maintain public order and prevent potential security threats in the city. Section 144 empowers authorities to impose restrictions on activities deemed likely to disturb peace or safety.
Under the renewed order, the display and carrying of weapons in public places has been strictly prohibited. The notification also reiterates the ban on public processions, rallies and demonstrations, as well as the use of vehicles with tinted windows. Officials said these measures were necessary to curb unlawful activities and ensure effective monitoring of movement within the city.
The order further prohibits public gatherings of five or more individuals, effectively restricting assemblies that could pose a security risk. Authorities have also barred the operation of unregistered motorcycles, a measure often linked to concerns over their use in criminal activities. In addition, the covering of faces in public through masks, mufflers or other means has been banned to facilitate identification and surveillance.
Pillion riding on motorcycles will remain prohibited during the enforcement period. However, the notification provides limited exemptions, allowing pillion riding in cases where women and children are being transported. Officials said the exception was included to minimise inconvenience to families while maintaining overall security.
Authorities also banned the operation of unregistered motorcycles and the covering of faces in public using masks or mufflers.https://t.co/UkqjTrmP8t
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The Home Department warned that strict legal action would be taken against violators of the order. Those found breaching the restrictions will be proceeded against under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deals with disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant.
Security officials said the extension of Section 144 was part of precautionary measures adopted in light of recent security challenges in Quetta and surrounding areas. They added that such restrictions are periodically reviewed and adjusted in accordance with the ground situation.
Residents, meanwhile, expressed mixed reactions to the decision. Some said the restrictions were necessary to ensure safety, while others voiced concerns about inconvenience and the impact on daily activities and businesses. Traders and transporters, in particular, said prolonged restrictions could affect economic activity in the city.
Authorities, however, maintained that public safety remained the top priority. They urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and comply with the restrictions, stressing that the measures were temporary and aimed solely at maintaining peace and stability.
The government said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and review the restrictions as necessary, depending on developments in the law and order environment.
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