ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: Authorities in the twin cities on Monday imposed Section 144, enforcing a ban on public gatherings amid what officials described as “imminent threats” to public order and security.
A notification issued by the Islamabad district magistrate stated that Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code would remain in force across the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) for two months, effective immediately. The order will stay in place until January 18, 2026.
The notification, dated Nov 18, said the restrictions were imposed due to reports that “certain segments of society” were planning to organise unlawful assemblies within the capital. It did not specify which groups or events were under consideration.
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The order prohibits “all kinds of gatherings of five or more persons, processions, rallies and demonstrations” at any public space within Islamabad’s jurisdiction, including the sensitive Red Zone. The administration said the decision was necessary to prevent activities that could “threaten public peace, tranquillity and the maintenance of law and order”.
Rawalpindi imposes three-day ban
In a parallel move, the Rawalpindi deputy commissioner imposed Section 144 across the district until Dec 3, citing “imminent threats” identified by the district intelligence committee (DIC). The DIC warned of specific intelligence indicating that certain groups were mobilising to hold protests, disruptive assemblies and potentially violent demonstrations near key installations.
The order prohibits “all kinds of gatherings of five or more persons, processions/rallies and demonstrations at any public place within the Revenue Limits of District Islamabad, including the Red Zone”.https://t.co/BELqYUtmWs
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) December 1, 2025
The notification stated that these elements could target “soft locations” and attempt to disturb peace in areas surrounding sensitive sites, major roads and critical infrastructure. Rawalpindi’s restrictions also ban public gatherings and the display of weapons for three days.
PTI plans protest despite restrictions
The new restrictions come as the PTI’s parliamentary committee announced plans to stage a protest on Tuesday outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and Adiala Jail, challenging what the party calls unjustified restrictions on meeting its incarcerated founder, Imran Khan.
Imran, 72, has been in Adiala Jail since August 2023 following multiple convictions he claims were politically motivated after his 2022 ouster. PTI leaders and his family members say they have repeatedly been denied access to him, despite a court order allowing visits.
The PTI maintains it will proceed with its protest, raising questions over how the administrations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi will enforce the newly imposed bans.
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