Pakistan bans public gatherings ahead of protest by Imran’s party

Pakistani federal authorities have banned all public gatherings in the capital region for two months ahead of a planned protest by the party of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.

Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) last week announced that it would stage a protest in Islamabad on November 24 to force the government to release its founding leader, who has been jailed for more than a year.

The federal government retaliated by enforcing Article 144, a colonial-era law banning public gatherings in Islamabad.

According to different notifications issued by Islamabad District Magistrate Usman Ashraf on Monday, Section 144 was imposed because “certain sections of the society” were planning “unlawful gatherings that may disturb the peace and tranquility of the people”.

Public gatherings of five or more people are prohibited when “might threaten public peace and tranquility, cause inconvenience or injury to the public, endanger human life and safety, constitute a threat to public property and… riot or riot, including sectarian strife.” It was banned on the grounds that it could lead to fights. Insurgency within the revenue/area limits of Islamabad district.”

In the notifications, the playing of “all kinds of objectionable/sectarian speeches and sermons” on sound systems was prohibited, and it was also prohibited within the scope of the order. Similarly, the use of loudspeakers to antagonize “political/social groups/religious sects.”

The district magistrate also banned fireworks, display of firearms, distribution of flyers, leaflets and pasting of posters.

The decision stated that the ban would be valid for two months “unless it is canceled or extended.”

However, political observers noted that banning rallies may not have much impact on PTI, which has violated Article 144 several times in the past, noting that protesters are generally invoking a constitutional provision that provides all citizens with the right to peaceful assembly and protest.

After meeting him at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on November 13, Khan’s sister Aleema Khan told reporters that everyone from PTI, including workers, members of parliament and party supporters, should join the protest on November 24.

Khan, 72, has been imprisoned in multiple cases since August last year. He was convicted in several cases and released on bail in some, but remains in prison on other cases.

“This is the moment when you have to decide whether you want to live under martial law or live freely,” Khan was quoted as saying.

“You exercised your right to vote on February 8…. “But the next day, the foundation you laid for democracy was stolen,” he said, quoting the words of his brother in prison.

He also said Khan directed his call to four categories of people – farmers, lawyers, civil society and students – who should come forward to protest for their rights.

While talking about the enactment of the 26th Amendment as law, Khan was quoted as saying:

“All your rights have been taken away from you; “The Supreme Court has been invaded and the current conditions are even worse than previous martial law.”

The 26th amendment gave lawmakers more authority over the appointment of the chief justice.

Separately, PTI had stated in its statement that a long march towards Islamabad would begin on November 24 to force the government to accept three demands: “26. the restoration of the judiciary as an amendment is a blatant attempt to cut off judicial powers; “The release of party leaders and workers and the return of stolen powers, the 2024 election is by far the most controversial and absurd election.”

The so-called latest protest call follows a series of protests by PTI supporters since September. The last protest call made to the capital Islamabad on October 4 did not achieve its purpose.

By sanctioning the latest protest, Khan and his party have seemingly exhausted all channels to secure his release from prison where he has been held for over a year.