RAWALPINDI — On Sunday, February 8, 2026, Rawalpindi’s district administration announced a 15-day extension of Section 144, effectively banning all public gatherings, rallies, and sit-ins across the garrison city until February 21.
The decision, made on the recommendation of the District Intelligence Committee (DIC), coincides with a massive security “Flag March” conducted by the city’s police to deter potential unrest following a surge in regional terrorism and political volatility.
راولپنڈی میں دفعہ 144 میں مزید 15 روز کی توسیع کردی گئی pic.twitter.com/6sj12MQChw
— Fahim Akhtar Malik (@writetofahim) February 8, 2026
The Enforcement Protocol
With over 4,300 police personnel deployed, the city has transitioned into a high-security posture. The current restrictions include:
- Assembly Ban: No more than five persons are allowed to gather in public spaces.
- Prohibited Items: A strict ban is in place on the display of firearms, as well as the carrying of sticks, slingshots, petrol bombs, and ball bearings.
- Mobility Restrictions: Pillion riding on motorcycles has been prohibited for the duration of the order.
- Communication: The use of loudspeakers for hate speech or inflammatory sermons is strictly forbidden.
The “Flag March” Route
Led by SSP Operations Malik Tariq Mehboob, the police convoy traveled through major arteries to project “preparedness and strength.” Key areas covered included:
- Murree Road: Committee Chowk, Chandni Chowk, and Faizabad.
- Cantonment & Suburbs: Ammar Chowk, Rawal Road, Peshawar Road, and Adiala Road.
- Surveillance: The implementation is being monitored 24/7 via the Safe City camera network and Dolphin Force patrolling.
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Why the Extension? Two Critical Factors
The extension comes at a time when the twin cities are facing a “double threat” of security and political disruption:
| Factor | Context |
| Terrorism Alert | Following the Islamabad imambargah suicide bombing on Feb 6 (which killed 36), intelligence agencies have warned of potential “sleepers” in the twin cities. |
| Political Tensions | The opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), and the PTI had called for nationwide strikes and protests to mark the second anniversary of the Feb 8, 2024, general elections. |
City Status: High Alert
- Metro Bus Service: Suspended between Rawalpindi and Islamabad to prevent the mass movement of protesters.
- Entry/Exit Points: 82 special pickets have been established, with random checking of vehicles entering the city from KP and northern Punjab.
- CPO Statement: City Police Officer Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani warned that anyone participating in “illegal gatherings” or “acts of mischief” will be dealt with an iron hand.
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