KARACHI: The District Magistrate of Karachi yesterday [Aug 16] promulgated Section 144 in the City for a period of two months. An official order issued yesterday said that the action had been taken “to prevent disturbance of public peace”.

The order prohibits the holding of any meeting of five or more persons or their assembly in a public place within the limits of Karachi district. It also prohibits carriage, collection and storage of all weapons such as “lathis, cudgels swords, spears and knives”. The use of loudspeakers except for Azan and Khutba of Friday prayers is also prohibited.

Section 144 will not apply to wedding and funeral processions and meetings and processions exempted by the District Magistrate. — Correspondent

[Meanwhile, as reported by an agency in Rawalpindi,] the Provincial Social Welfare Department today [Aug 16] launched a province-wide campaign for the eradication of social evils and against economically oppressive customs.

The drive has been undertaken in accordance with the directives of President Ayub and the decisions of the Governor’s Conference.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2018