Amid fears of violence, the Punjab government, in a late-night development on Saturday, announced to impose Section 144 in Lahore for a day – Sunday – warning that the restriction could be extended if the situation went out of control.
In a news conference, Caretaker Punjab Minister for Information Amir Mir urged PTI Chairman and former premier Imran Khan not to take the law into his hands.
He said Section 144 was being enforced in the provincial capital, adding that no one would be allowed to take out a rally or hold public gatherings. He noted that an HBL PSL match, marathon, and a cycle race were also scheduled in the city on Sunday, saying these events would be organized as planned a month ago.
Amir said Imran had “all of a sudden” announced his political rally despite the holding of these events. He cited the security of the cricket teams as one of the main reasons for the imposition of Section 144. He recalled that earlier too, the PTI had announced holding a rally through Aurat March, and a match was already planned.
The caretaker provincial information minister said that they had asked the PTI leadership to shift their political program to a subsequent date but they refused. He warned that if there was any resistance on PTI’s part the enforcement of Section 144 would be further extended.