Punjab's Section 144: Crackdown Amid Protests for Imran Khan's Release

The Punjab government in Pakistan has imposed Section 144, banning protests and public gatherings due to planned demonstrations by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan, convicted in multiple cases, has criticized the current government and expressed a willingness to negotiate for Pakistan's benefit.

The Punjab government of Pakistan imposed prohibitory orders for seven days across the province on Friday, citing a planned nationwide protest by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan seeking his release from jail.

The imposition of Section 144, which bans protests and public gatherings, came into immediate effect as workers from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party organized demonstrations demanding his release. Khan, who transitioned from cricketer to politician, has been incarcerated since August last year, following convictions in some of the nearly 200 cases filed against him since his ouster in April 2022.

During an informal media chat at a hearing related to a 190 million pounds corruption case, Khan indicated that any negotiations with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) could precipitate the current government's downfall. He emphasized that his willingness to negotiate was for Pakistan's benefit and not personal or governmental interests, stressing the need for a mandate-driven government to facilitate necessary reforms.