Politics
The district administration has imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi to maintain law and order, banning public gatherings, rallies, processions, sit-ins and protest demonstrations.
The district administration has imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi to maintain law and order, banning public gatherings, rallies, processions, sit-ins and protest demonstrations. According to an order issued by Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir, Section 144 will remain in force for 30 days, from October 10 to November 8, 2026. The restrictions will apply throughout the administrative boundaries of Rawalpindi district. Under the order, gatherings of five or more people, sit-ins, rallies, public meetings, processions and protest demonstrations are prohibited. The display of weapons, hate speech, the use of drones and one-wheeling on motorcycles has also been banned. According to the district administration’s orders, the prohibited activities will not be permitted during the period of enforcement. Section 144 will remain in effect until November 8, 2026, with its scope limited to Rawalpindi district. Meanwhile, the authorities have urged residents to comply with the restrictions and refrain from violating the orders.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the federal cabinet will decide tomorrow whether to impose an emergency, Governor’s Rule, or both in the province. Speaking on Geo News’ programme, the governor said no official decision had been made so far, stressing that nothing had been formally announced. He said the federal cabinet would decide the following day whether to impose an emergency, Governor’s Rule, or both. He also stated that further talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were unlikely. Kundi added that if Governor’s Rule were imposed, it would apply to the entire province, while an emergency might have to be imposed in certain areas. He said an emergency or Governor’s Rule could also be imposed across the province, and the cabinet’s decision would clarify the government’s course of action. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor further said that if the chief minister could not protect his own people, he should resign. He claimed that several PTI members had been arrested or were voluntarily surrendering for arrest at the party’s direction. Kundi also accused PTI of being unwilling to engage in dialogue, arguing that the party had never held talks without creating unrest.
