Islamabad: Ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)'s planned long march in Islamabad, Punjab government has imposed a 13 day ban on public gatherings. across the province. PTI’s march is scheduled to begin on September 27.
According to local media reports, the restrictions include gatherings, processions and assemblies involving five or more people at public places. Authorities have also tightened security in and around Attock and Rawalpindi, with Rangers personnel deployed in four districts.
Punjab cites security threat
According to a notification issued by the Punjab government, the restrictions also prohibit the carrying and display of weapons and encouraging or inciting people to participate in unlawful gatherings.
However, the order exempts weddings, funeral prayers, burials and gatherings at mosques or other places of worship.
The provincial government said law enforcement and intelligence agencies had received information about an imminent security threat. According to the notification, militant groups were planning attacks on public gatherings.
The latest restrictions come amid heightened tensions between authorities and former PM Imran Khan's political outfit PTI. Several PTI leaders, workers and relatives of Khan have recently been detained on various grounds.
Imran Khan's sisters challenge detention
The developments come days after police arrested Imran Khan’s three sisters, Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan, following a 30-day detention order issued by the Lahore Deputy Commissioner under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.
On Monday, a petition challenging the detention orders was filed before the Lahore High Court, seeking the immediate release of all three women.
Aleema Khan’s son, Shahraiz Khan, filed the petition against the detention of his mother and two aunts. He asked the court to declare the Lahore DC’s order null and void and direct authorities to release the three women, The Express Tribune reported.
The petition alleged that the detention order was illegal and unlawful. Shahraiz Khan claimed that Aleema Khan was arrested while traveling with her driver for personal work and that there was no public gathering or situation that threatened public order.
According to the petition, Aleema Khan was detained along with her driver, Muhammad Ameer.
Imran Khan's son condemns arrests
Imran Khan’s son, Kasim Khan, on Monday condemned the detention of his aunts, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, and urged the international community to intervene.
In a post on Now my Aunts Dr. Uzma and Noreen, along with my cousins Shershah and Shahrez have now been abducted as well. They have broken into my aunties and cousins houses and forced them into vehicles with no explanation. No reasons for arrest have been stated.
“No news has been released as to where they have been taken. This is criminal behaviour. Inexcusable. The Pakistani people are petrified of their own leaders. No upstanding nation should tolerate this criminal establishment. Intervention is now imperative. The world MUST take action,” he added.
The restrictions are set to remain in place as Punjab authorities prepare for the PTI’s planned September 27 mobilization in Islamabad.