The Punjab Home Department has imposed Section 144 across the province, restricting all kinds of political assemblies, gatherings, sit-ins, rallies and other activities on Saturday (tomorrow) on the eve of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest against the alleged rigging during the February 8, 2024 general elections.

Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure is a legal provision that empowers district administrations to ban an assembly of four or more people in an area for a limited period.

Jailed Imran Khan-founded PTI is set to observe “Black Day” to mark the first anniversary of “rigged general elections” tomorrow. 

“Section 144 has been imposed to protect human lives and properties and maintain law and order situation [in the backdrop of PTI’s protests],” said a spokesperson of the home department.

The decision was made in light of the recommendation of the cabinet committee on law and order and the provincial intelligence committee, the spokesperson added. 

This is a developing story and is being updated with more details.