RAWALPINDI:
Authorities in Rawalpindi have imposed Section 144 across the district, banning all public gatherings, motorcycle pillion riding, and rallies from August 4 to August 10, citing security concerns ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) August 5 protest.
The Deputy Commissioner’s office issued a formal notification on Monday, stating that the restrictions are aimed at maintaining law and order during a sensitive period.
According to the notification, “There will be a complete ban on political gatherings, rallies, and processions in Rawalpindi district. Pillion riding on motorcycles will also be prohibited from August 4 to 10.”
The notification also prohibits the display of arms and the use of loudspeakers in public spaces. Any attempt to remove official roadblocks placed on major thoroughfares will result in legal action, officials warned.
The administrative clampdown comes amid PTI’s continued mobilisation efforts despite ongoing political and legal challenges. The party has not officially announced a rally in Rawalpindi, but authorities appear to be taking preventive measures.
It is worth noting that after a series of failed protests, the PTI founder has once again decided to demonstrate street power to campaign for the rule of law and the release of imprisoned party leaders and workers. However, the party appears divided on key policy matters, with dissenting voices increasingly surfacing in public.
Days ahead of its planned protest on August 5, the PTI is facing a widespread crackdown, with party leaders going into hiding, workers reporting home raids and several bank accounts reportedly frozen. Party leaders and workers allege that police across Punjab have intensified efforts to suppress the protest by launching a campaign of intimidation.
Many party workers lament that since August 1, police have been knocking on doors, forcing workers to sign affidavits promising not to participate in the protest.
The raids have led to panic within PTI ranks, with multiple leaders choosing to go underground to avoid arrest. Party sources claim that the “door-knocking” campaign has expanded rapidly over the past few days.
In addition to the pressure tactics on the ground, several reports have emerged of financial restrictions being imposed on PTI leadership. The bank account of Hafiz Zeeshan Rasheed, a senior PTI office-bearer in Punjab, has reportedly been frozen, one of many such cases, according to the party.
