The Karachi commissioner imposed Section 144 in Karachi Division from Oct 11 to Oct 20, banning protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, rallies and other public gatherings of more than five people, according to a notification issued by Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi.
Why the restriction was ordered
The notification said protests and demonstrations were being held on major roads, junctions and roundabouts, causing severe traffic congestion and raising “serious security concerns”.
It added that such road blockages were disrupting routine public life, impeding the movement of emergency services and restricting access to hospitals.
“Such road blockages are disrupting routine public life, impeding the movement of emergency services and restricting access to hospitals.”
Public gatherings and road blockages covered by the ban
Section 144 is a provision in the Code of Criminal Procedure that allows local authorities to ban public gatherings such as rallies, processions and sit-ins, as well as the open display of weapons.
In the Karachi commissioner’s notification, the ban applies to holding, organising, convening, facilitating or participating in protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, rallies, processions or other public gatherings involving more than five persons within the territorial limits of Karachi Division.
The notification said there was “reasonable apprehension” that such gatherings could obstruct public roads and thoroughfares, disrupt normal civic and commercial activities, cause inconvenience to the public and traffic congestion, impede access to hospitals, and lead to untoward incidents and a deterioration in the law and order situation.
“Reasonable apprehension” that the holding, organising or facilitating of such gatherings may “obstruct public roads and thoroughfares, disrupt normal civic and commercial activities, cause inconvenience to the general public and traffic congestion, impede access to hospitals, and result in untoward incidents and the deterioration of the law and order situation”.
The commissioner said the restrictions were considered “necessary and expedient” to avert any possible untoward incident, maintain public peace and tranquillity, safeguard lives and property, ensure public safety and security, and facilitate the uninterrupted movement of the public and essential services.
