LAHORE – Punjab government suspended mobile phone and internet services in Mianwali as Section 144 imposed in the province amid security concerns.
Reports in local media said the stern measures aims to enhance public safety and prevent potential threats linked with mass gatherings. The districts affected include Mianwali, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, and Chiniot.
In Mianwali, Section 144 will be effective from October 1 to October 7, while in the other five districts, it will be enforced for two days within a five-day period.
Punjab Home Department issued a notification confirming this decision, which prohibits political gatherings and protest activities as a precaution against potential terrorist risks.
Local authorities recommended the imposition of Section 144, citing concerns that public gatherings could serve as soft targets for terrorists. The notification restricted all forms of political activities, including rallies, sit-ins, and protests.
On the other hand, matter of Section 144 imposition landed in Lahore High Court. The petitioner argues that the government’s actions violate the constitutional right of citizens to protest, particularly in light of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s planned demonstrations across Punjab.
PTI calls off protest after city-wide lockdown in Rawalpindi and Islamabad
