Gatherings, sit-ins, rallies banned in Karachi for five days

The Sindh government, at the request of Karachi’s additional inspector general of police, has imposed a ban on processions, rallies, and gatherings for five days.

A notification issued by the Karachi commissioner’s office says, “The Additional Inspector General of Police, Karachi Range, via letter dated October 12, 2024, has informed that protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, and rallies are planned by different factions on the same day in the city, which may lead to security issues, a deteriorating law and order situation, and inconvenience to the general public. Therefore, he has requested the imposition of a ban under Section 144 of the CrPC on any type of protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, rallies, and assemblies of more than five persons within the limits of Karachi Division.”

The notification has emphasised that the situation necessitates immediate action, as there are sufficient grounds to enforce Section 144 to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.

In light of this, Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi stated, “I hereby impose a complete ban on any type of protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, rallies, and assemblies of more than five persons within the territorial limits of Karachi Division for a period of five days, effective from October 13, 2024, to October 17, 2024.”

Additionally, under Section 195(i)(a) of the CrPC, station house officers (SHOs) of the relevant police stations were authorised to register complaints in writing against violations of Section 144.