KARACHI — The Sindh government has enforced a month-long ban on protests, rallies, sit-ins, and public gatherings across the province, citing growing security concerns and the need to maintain law and order.
According to a notification issued by the Sindh Home Department on Sunday, the restrictions imposed under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code will remain in effect from October 12 to November 12. The move follows a request from the Inspector General of Police, who warned of potential threats to public safety and possible unrest if large gatherings were allowed.
The order specifically prohibits public assemblies of more than five people anywhere in the province. The notification stated that the decision aims to “maintain peace and prevent any gatherings that could endanger public safety or disrupt law and order.”
Officials said the measure is precautionary, intended to curb any attempts by “anti-social elements” to exploit public gatherings for disruptive purposes. “Given the current security environment, the government cannot take any risks that could lead to chaos or violence,” said a senior police officer familiar with the matter.
The development comes shortly after a similar ban was imposed in Rawalpindi, where authorities enforced Section 144 ahead of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP) planned “Aqsa Million March.” In that case, the Punjab Home Department imposed a 14-day restriction on rallies, processions, and sit-ins to avert any potential law and order situation.
In Sindh, officials emphasized that the restrictions are temporary and will be reviewed if the security situation improves. However, rights groups and civil society organizations have often criticized such sweeping bans, arguing that they curtail citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.
Despite the criticism, provincial authorities insist the step was necessary to ensure public safety and stability, particularly amid ongoing security alerts across the country.
