KARACHI – Amid escalating nationwide political tensions and growing concerns over law and order, authorities in Pakistan’s commercial capital, Karachi, have imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) across the metropolis through October 20, prohibiting all forms of public gatherings, rallies, and demonstrations.
The order was issued via an urgent notification signed by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi. The administration noted that recurrent protest marches, rallies, and sit-ins at critical traffic intersections and major thoroughfares had created severe gridlocks, impeding civil movement and compromising public safety. The directive underscored that emergency service vehicles, including ambulances, were facing critical disruptions, prompting immediate administrative intervention to safeguard civic life.
Under the restrictions enforced across the Karachi administrative division, holding, organizing, facilitating, or participating in assemblies, processions, sit-ins, and demonstrations involving more than five people is strictly prohibited. The administration stated that the containment measures are imperative to preserve public order, protect public and private property, and restore daily normalcy to the metropolis.
The preemptive clampdown comes against the backdrop of heightened political instability across Pakistan. The country has witnessed heightened volatility following the federal declaration of an emergency and the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), alongside the high-profile detention of suspended KP Chief Minister and senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sohail Afridi. Widespread mobilization by supporters of imprisoned former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan has triggered unrest across major urban centers, prompting provincial and district administrations to deploy stringent security curbs.
Sources: Dawn (Pakistan), Karachi Commissioner’s Office, and Regional News Wires.