Section 144 imposed in Rawalpindi till May 19 ahead of PTI Protest Plan at Adiala Jail

RAWALPINDI – Authorities imposed Section 144 for two weeks in Rawalpindi, turning entire vicinity of Adiala Jail into a tightly controlled red zone amid fears of a potential law-and-order crisis. The order was issued by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema following an emergency meeting of the District Intelligence Committee held on 5 May 2026. Officials warned of an “imminent threat” to peace and security around the central prison and other sensitive installations along Murree Road and Mall Road. Section 144 in Pindi According to the official notification, intelligence inputs suggested a possible situation that could escalate into unrest, endangering both public life and property. Acting under the powers of the Punjab amendment to Section 144 Cr.P.C. (Act X of 2024), the administration moved swiftly to impose sweeping preventive restrictions. Under the order, all public gatherings have been strictly banned in and around Adiala Jail and designated sensitive areas. This includes protests, rallies, sit-ins, processions, demonstrations, jalsas, dharnas, and any form of political assembly—excluding religious gatherings. Security measures also extend to a strict prohibition on carrying weapons or potentially dangerous items such as batons, spikes, slingshots, petrol bombs, ball bearings, improvised explosive materials, or any object that could be used to incite violence. Any attempt to defy police instructions or remove restrictions on movement and assembly has also been declared unlawful. The restrictions take effect immediately and will remain in force for 15 days, from 5 May 2026 to 19 May 2026, across the entire district of Rawalpindi. The move comes amid heightened political tensions, with reports that KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced plans to visit Adiala Jail on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and its supporters, including lawmakers, lawyers, and activists from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, were reportedly mobilizing for large-scale demonstr