Karachi, Oct 12 (V7N)- Pakistani authorities have imposed Section 144 in Karachi, the capital of Sindh province, banning public gatherings of more than five people until October 20 to prevent public inconvenience and a deterioration in the law and order situation.
According to Dawn, the decision was announced in a notification issued by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi on Monday (October 12).
The notification cited reports of protests, demonstrations, sit-ins and rallies on major roads, intersections and public squares, saying the gatherings had caused severe traffic congestion and raised serious security concerns.
It added that road blockades were disrupting daily life, obstructing emergency services and restricting access to hospitals.
Considering these concerns, the authorities imposed a preventive ban on protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, rallies and gatherings involving more than five people across Karachi Division.
The notification said the restrictions were necessary to prevent potential incidents, maintain public peace and order, protect lives and property, ensure public safety and allow the smooth movement of the general public and emergency services.
Under the order, until October 20, gatherings of more than five people in public places are prohibited. Organizing, holding, calling for or directly or indirectly assisting in protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, rallies, processions or other public gatherings is also barred during the period.
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