The imposition of Section 144 across several districts in Punjab has been challenged in the Lahore High Court. A petition has been filed by a citizen, claiming that the Punjab government enforced Section 144 to suppress Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned protests, infringing on citizens' constitutional right to peaceful assembly. The petition argues that the government's decision to impose Section 144 was politically motivated to prevent PTI from holding protests in multiple cities. It calls for the nullification of the notification issued by the provincial government.

Punjab's Home Department had implemented Section 144 in districts including Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Toba Tek Singh, Mianwali, Chiniot, and Jhang, citing potential security threats. The notification stated that the ban on public gatherings was imposed to maintain law and order and protect lives and property, as any large gathering could serve as a target for terrorists. PTI MPA Hafiz Farhat Abbas criticized the move, claiming that the government resorts to Section 144 in cities where the party plans to hold political activities, leading to unlawful arrests. He asserted that the government’s panic reflects its fear of PTI's growing momentum.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan