The Rawalpindi administration has imposed a 15-day prohibition on public gatherings throughout the district in anticipation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests planned outside Adiala Jail and a separate rally scheduled for April 9. This directive, announced by Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema on Monday, invokes Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), banning assemblies, sit-ins, and demonstrations from April 6 until April 20.
The order references a warning issued by the District Intelligence Committee (DIC) during its meeting on April 4, which highlighted an “imminent threat” in Rawalpindi, especially around sensitive locations, major thoroughfares, and critical infrastructure. Intelligence that certain groups are mobilizing with the intent to disrupt public order through large-scale protests and gatherings.
Furthermore, the notice cautions that these groups may target vulnerable areas and potentially incite violence near key installations and other sensitive sites. In response, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of safeguarding public safety and vital infrastructure by prohibiting any gathering of five or more individuals.
The order also bans civilians from displaying weapons, delivering inflammatory or objectionable speeches, and carrying items such as spikes, petrol bombs, improvised explosives, or any objects that could be used to incite violence. Additional restrictions include a ban on pillion riding and the use of loudspeakers.
Meanwhile, PTI has announced a “peaceful protest” outside Adiala Jail today to oppose these restrictions, along with a rally in Rawalpindi on April 9, which marks the anniversary of Imran Khan’s removal from office through a no-confidence vote in 2022.
In a significant development, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi described the April 9 event as a one-day peaceful gathering. He stated that the protest aims to highlight issues such as democratic regression, economic decline, inflation, delays in the hearings of Imran Khan’s legal cases, and the alleged unlawful detention and mistreatment of him and his wife.
Afridi urged the authorities to allow the rally, warning that any refusal would lead participants to stage protests at obstruction points. He also announced that his convoy would depart from Peshawar to Rawalpindi at 11 AM on April 9, with supporters joining from other districts.
