The Punjab government extends Section 144 in the province to discourage violence LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government extended the imposition of Section 144 in the province to maintain law and order after the release of PTI chairman Imran Khan on bail in multiple cases.
The additional Home Secretary of Punjab also issued a notification. Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure authorizes the administration to issue orders in the public interest that may place a ban on an activity for a specific period of time.
In the Punjab province, Section 144 was imposed on May 9 in the wake of violent clashes between PTI supporters and security agencies after the arrest of Imran Khan in the Al Qadir Trust case.
So far, more or less 2,000 protesters belonging to PTI have been arrested in recent days.
The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has informed the administration of more violence after the release of former prime minister Imran Khan.
In a letter written to the Chief Commissioner Islamabad and the Inspector General of Islamabad Police, the Bureau urged them to take measures to secure state properties.
The Intelligence Bureau has written two separate letters. In one letter, the IB asked the Islamabad administration to protect the premises where former prime minister Imran Khan is being held (Police Guest House in Police Lines, Islamabad), and the adjoining buildings.
According to the IB, former prime minister Imran Khan has been making provocative statements against institutions. These states led to violent incidents across the country, it added.
Meanwhile, the IB’s letter also pointed out the damage done to some government and private properties by the PT supporters. The protesters also blocked the Kashmir Highway leading to Islamabad airport for hours and kept suspended traffic.
