The Rawalpindi deputy commissioner on Saturday announced that Section 144 had been imposed in the district for a period of 30 days, over threats to sensitive installations and other critical infrastructure.

Section 144 is a provision in the Code of Criminal Procedure which empowers local authorities to ban public gatherings such as rallies, processions and sit-ins, as well as the open display of weapons.

It has been imposed amid the PTI’s long march, which has so far remained within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but had initially announced to move towards the federal capital. The KP chief minister reiterated today that he would lead the convoy towards Islamabad.

According to a notification seen by Dawn, the District Intelligence Committee (DIC) in a meeting today warned the DC of an “imminent threat” within the district to sensitive installations, major roads and other infrastructure “which may pose a serious risk to human life, public property, and the overall peace and order of the district”.

“The DIC has reported specific intelligence suggesting that certain groups and elements are actively mobilising with intentions to disturb the law and order situation through large gatherings, protests, and disruptive assemblies,” the notification read.

Moreover, the committee indicated that these elements may mobilise “individuals with the potential to engage in violent actions” against soft targets and near key installations and other sensitive sites.

Imposing Section 144, DC retired Captain Nadeem Nasir prohibited public gatherings of more than five people, as well as the open display of weapons, improvised explosives, spikes, laden batons, gulails, ball bearings, petrol bombs, or other instruments that could cause physical harm.

It also banned the use of drones and any attempts to “remove any restriction” imposed by the police to regulate assemblies and traffic.

The order is set to expire on Nov 8.

Section 144 has already been imposed in several parts of the country, with Islamabad imposing the provision for two months in a notification dated September 18.

The order prohibited gatherings of five or more people, as well as processions, rallies and demonstrations, at any public place within the revenue limits of the district, including the Red Zone.

Similarly, Section 144 is in force in Lahore until Oct 15, with the order citing serious threats to public peace, tranquillity and the safety of life and property.

According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, a complete ban was imposed on assemblies, processions and gatherings of five or more persons at public places, roads and open spaces.

However, the ban would not apply to wedding ceremonies, funeral prayers, burials, mosques and other places of worship, courts or government institutions.