Section 144 imposed on rallies, gatherings

The Sindh government has imposed a ban on rallies and protest demonstrations. A notification issued on Monday said the additional inspector general of police, Karachi Range, vide a letter dated March 23, has requested that in view of the prevailing law and order situation and to protect the lives of the public, a ban under Section 144 of the CrPC be imposed on any type of protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, rallies, and the assembly of more than five persons within the limit of Karachi Division.

“The situation warrants immediate action as there is sufficient grounds to proceed under Section 144 CrPC on the above acts in order to maintain law and order situation within the city and to avoid any untoward incident,” said the notification.

In exercise of powers under Section 144 (6) of CrPC, delegated by home department, Syed Hassan Naqvi, commissioner of Karachi Division, imposed a complete ban on any type of protests, demonstrations, set-ins, rallies and assembly of more than five persons with immediate effect.

In pursuance of Section 195 (1) (a) of the CrPC, the station house officers of the police stations are hereby authorized to register complaints under Section 188 of the PPC in writing against any violation of Section 144 of the CrPC.