Section 144 imposed in Rawalpindi as PTI calls protest demanding Imran’s whereabouts

Rumours have been circulating for days that Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan has died in prison. As the speculation intensifies, neither the government nor the prison authorities have provided any information, and his family members have been unable to meet him for a long time.

In this situation, Imran’s party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has called a protest in Rawalpindi demanding proof of his condition. To stop the demonstration, the local administration has imposed Section 144, banning all gatherings.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema announced that Section 144 will remain in force from December 1 to December 3. Under this order—

* All meetings, gatherings, processions, rallies, protests and any assembly of five or more people are prohibited.
* Carrying weapons, spears, heavy sticks, slingshots, ball bearings, petrol bombs, homemade explosives or any item that may be used for violence is banned.
* Displaying arms (other than by law enforcement), and delivering offensive or hateful speech is prohibited.
* No one may attempt to remove restrictions imposed by the police to control movement or crowds.
* No pillion riding is allowed on motorcycles.
* Use of microphones or loudspeakers is banned.

Authorities said the decision was taken to ensure public safety, peace and stability.