By Web Desk
Lahore
Karachi authorities have imposed Section 144 across the city until September 30, restricting public gatherings of more than five people as officials cite security and traffic-management concerns.
The order was issued by Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi on September 24 after police raised concerns about protests, demonstrations, sit-ins and rallies on major roads, junctions and roundabouts, according to the notification reported by Dawn.
Authorities said such gatherings can disrupt traffic, impede emergency services and affect access to hospitals. The order prohibits organising, facilitating or taking part in covered public assemblies of more than five people during its period of operation.
What the order covers
The restrictions apply to protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, rallies, processions and other public gatherings. The notification cites a reasonable apprehension that assemblies could obstruct roads and thoroughfares, interrupt civic and commercial activity, create congestion and contribute to a deterioration in the law-and-order situation.
The order is a preventive administrative measure. It does not itself determine whether any particular planned gathering is unlawful; enforcement will depend on the terms of the notification and actions taken by the authorities.
Dawn reported that police officers of at least inspector rank have been authorised to register cases under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code when they witness violations of the Karachi order. Readers who may be affected should check the official notification and instructions issued by local authorities.
Similar restrictions in Sindh
Separate Section 144 orders have also been reported in Hyderabad and Sukkur, where restrictions on gatherings of five or more people are due to run until September 29. The dates and territorial scope of each order are not identical.
The measures arrive amid broader security and administrative preparations in several parts of the country. Officials have framed the Karachi order around public safety, traffic flow and access to essential services. Political parties and organisers have not been assigned responsibility for the order in the notification described by Dawn.
For residents, the practical effect is that public rallies, sit-ins and similar assemblies involving more than five people are restricted through September 30. People planning an event should seek guidance from the relevant city administration or police before proceeding.
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