Balochistan imposes Section 144 for 30 days

QUETTA: The Balochistan government has imposed Section 144 across the province for 30 days, banning public gatherings, sit-ins, rallies and protests, according to a notification issued by provincial authorities.

The order, issued from Quetta, also prohibits covering one's face and wearing veils at public places. It will remain in force across Balochistan for one month, the notification states. Law enforcement agencies and district administrations have been directed to ensure the order is implemented.

Dawn also reported the Section 144 order on Friday, stating that public gatherings, sit-ins, rallies and protests have been prohibited.

Section 144 was already in place in Islamabad, where the city administration has said no gathering of any kind is allowed in the capital.

In a separate but related development, mobile phone and internet services will remain suspended in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and parts of Attock on September 26 and 27 in view of a possible Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf long march, Business Recorder reported, citing sources.

The suspension is part of security measures, the sources said. A high-level security meeting held five days ago had discussed the closure of motorways, the GT Road and other key routes, along with steps to maintain law and order and address security concerns, the report added.

The provincial order in Balochistan comes at a time when authorities in the federal capital and surrounding districts are preparing for the possible PTI long march.

The Balochistan government has not specified the reason for the restrictions. The ban on covering the face and wearing veils applies at public places across the province for the duration of the order.

The Section 144 order will remain in force for 30 days, after which it lapses unless renewed by the authorities. The notification directs law enforcement agencies and district administrations in Balochistan to take necessary action for implementation.

The possible PTI long march has led authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to take precautionary security measures, including the planned suspension of mobile phone and internet services.