LAHORE: The provincial government has announced Punjab Section 144 until October 5 as authorities prepare for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf long march and possible protest activity across different areas.
According to the reported government measures, officials have also sought Rangers deployment in several sensitive districts. The Punjab government sent a request to the Interior Ministry for Rangers personnel in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali.
Meanwhile, authorities have planned additional security arrangements ahead of the expected political activity. Punjab Section 144 forms part of these measures as officials aim to control large gatherings and maintain public order.
The government has also decided to suspend mobile phone services in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Attock on September 26 and 27. Officials expect the restrictions to support security arrangements during the planned demonstrations and movement of political workers.
Furthermore, the authorities have provided net launchers to the federal police for crowd-control operations. The move comes as security agencies step up preparations ahead of the PTI protest program.
At the same time, officials have started placing containers on routes connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab. Punjab Section 144 accompanies these road-control measures as authorities prepare to restrict movement on key routes if required.
Reports also indicate that preparations have begun for possible motorway closures. Containers and other barriers may affect travel between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the protest period.
However, any road restrictions could also create difficulties for ordinary commuters and transport services. Travelers may need to check road conditions before starting journeys during the days of expected political activity.
The provincial administration has focused particularly on Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali. Through Punjab Section 144, officials have wider powers to restrict assemblies and take action against gatherings that violate government orders.
Authorities have not limited their preparations to Punjab alone. Separately, the Balochistan government has also imposed Section 144 across the province for 30 days.
According to the reported notification, Balochistan authorities have restricted public gatherings, sit-ins, rallies and demonstrations in public places. The order also covers several activities that officials believe could affect law and order.
In addition, the notification reportedly restricts people from covering their faces or using masks in public places. Law enforcement agencies and district administrations have received instructions to enforce the order across the province.
In Punjab, security agencies continue to prepare for the expected PTI political mobilization. Punjab Section 144 will remain in effect until October 5 under the measures described by the provincial government.
The government has also coordinated with federal authorities over security support. Its request for Rangers deployment suggests officials expect increased security needs in several districts in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the planned mobile phone suspension on September 26 and 27 could affect communication in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Attock. Residents and businesses may experience service disruptions if authorities implement the decision as reported.
Political demonstrations often create additional pressure on major roads and transport networks. As a result, commuters may face delays if authorities close motorways or block routes with containers.
The administration has also increased police preparations around possible protest locations. Punjab Section 144 gives officials a legal framework for restricting public gatherings during the stated period.
At the same time, PTI supporters may attempt to reach protest locations despite security restrictions. Authorities, however, have prepared barriers and additional law enforcement arrangements to manage possible movement toward major cities.
The situation may also affect intercity travel between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Motorway restrictions and container placement could lengthen travel times on several key routes.
Officials have not announced any change to the October 5 end date mentioned in the reported order. As a result, Punjab Section 144 is expected to remain the central restriction governing assemblies and protest-related gatherings in the province during this period.
Meanwhile, Balochistan will continue its own separate 30-day restrictions under the provincial notification. The two governments have introduced their measures independently, although both orders focus on maintaining public order.
Residents in affected cities should follow official government and local administration updates for any changes to mobile services, roads, or travel arrangements. Authorities may adjust security measures depending on developments on the ground.
Overall, Punjab Section 144 will remain in force until October 5 as the provincial government prepares for PTI’s planned political activity. The report also notes ranger deployment requests, mobile service restrictions, police equipment, and road barriers as part of the wider security arrangements.
