Karachi authorities impose Section 144 citing security concerns

KARACHI: The Karachi administration has imposed Section 144 across the city until October 20, prohibiting public gatherings of more than five people, rallies, processions, protests and sit-ins, according to an official notification.

The order was issued by the Karachi Commissioner amid concerns over the law and order situation and possible road blockages. The restrictions will remain in effect until the specified date.

Separately, the federal government has approved the deployment of Pakistan Army troops in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to support the provincial civil administration during the emergency declared on October 11.

The deployment has been authorised under Article 245 of the Constitution, with the stated objective of safeguarding citizens, public property and government installations across the province.

According to the notification, the KP governor, in consultation with General Headquarters (GHQ), will decide the number of troops and the resources required for the operation. The formal deployment order will also be published in Part II of the Gazette of Pakistan.