Section 144 has been imposed in Karachi, the capital of Pakistan’s southeastern Sindh province, to safeguard public safety and prevent severe traffic congestion. The restrictions will remain in effect until October 20, 2026, to avert any potential deterioration of law and order in the city.
The development was confirmed by leading Pakistani newspaper Dawn, citing an official notification issued on Monday by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi.
The core reasons and terms outlined behind the imposition of Section 144 in Karachi include:
Alleviating Traffic Congestion and Public Distress: The administration noted that continuous protests, demonstrations, and sit-ins across major roads, intersections, and squares have triggered severe traffic gridlocks. This has severely disrupted daily civilian life and impeded the movement of emergency service vehicles, including ambulances.
Security Concerns and Preventive Measures: Imposing the ban was deemed necessary to maintain public order, protect citizens’ lives and property, prevent untoward incidents, and ensure the unhindered movement of the general public and emergency services.
Ban on Assemblies of Five or More Persons: Under Section 144, all gatherings of five or more people anywhere across the Karachi Division are strictly prohibited until October 20. Furthermore, organizing, conducting, or directly/indirectly assisting in any protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, rallies, processions, and public assemblies has been outlawed.
