Monitoring Desk
Maryam Nawaz-led Punjab government had imposed section 144 in Punjab’s several districts including Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, and Mianwali on October 1 to stop Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from staging a power show in southern Punjab. On the other hand, citizens challenged the imposition of section 144 in Lahore High Court on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
As per details, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on October 1, 2024 announced to stage protests particularly in southern Punjab for the independence of judiciary on October 2, 2024. In response, Punjab government imposed section 144 on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. The section 144 will remain enforced for two days in Bahawalpur and Faisalabad and for a week in Mianwali.
The internet and mobile services have also been suspended in the said cities. The concerned authorities have clarified that the restriction has been imposed to maintain law and order, and to prevent public from serious security risks.
A day before, while talking to a private media house, Prime Minister Public and Political Affairs Advisor Rana Sanaullah termed PTI’s behaviour as “non-political”. He further said, “PTI didn’t behave like a political party, neither in the government nor in the opposition.” The former federal minister also slammed PTI for organizing long marches and sit-ins.
“PTI wants anarchy, violence and unrest in the country and it is important for the law and democracy to stop the party. Imran Khan-founded party is not willing to accept or sit with anyone else. PTI will not adopt a democratic behaviour under any circumstance, which is not acceptable,” he added.
It is worth-mentioning that a petition has been filed by the citizens against the imposition of section 144 by the provincial government. The petition states that the section aims to deprive the PTI supporters of their constitutional rights of staging peaceful protests on October 2, 2024.
