KARACHI: The Sindh government on Sunday enforced Section 144 across the province, imposing a one-month ban on all protests, sit-ins, rallies, and public gatherings with immediate effect.
According to a notification issued by Sindh Home Secretary Muhammad Iqbal Memon, the decision has been taken in view of the prevailing law-and-order concerns. The ban prohibits the assembly of five or more people in public spaces across Sindh.
Authorities have instructed law enforcement to take strict action against any violators under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The order officially comes into effect from October 12, 2025.
The move follows similar restrictions recently imposed in Rawalpindi, where Section 144 was enforced for four days amid security threats linked to Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan's (TLP) planned “Aqsa March” toward the US Embassy in Islamabad.
Rawalpindi’s Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema cited intelligence reports warning of a “serious risk” to human life, public property, and critical infrastructure. The order banned all forms of public demonstrations, rallies, loudspeaker use, and pillion riding between October 8 and 11 in the district.
Both provincial and local authorities say these measures are necessary to maintain peace and prevent potential unrest due to rising tensions and mobilization by certain groups.
Security forces remain on alert, with enhanced deployment across sensitive areas to ensure compliance and prevent any attempts to breach the restrictions.
