Restrictions Imposed in Karachi, Punjab Ahead of SCO Summit
Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on October 15-16, Pakistan’s Karachi and parts of Punjab have implemented strict restrictions under Section 144.
The Karachi administration enforced the measure for four days, from October 13 to October 17, to ensure public safety and maintain law and order during the international summit.
Section 144 in Karachi for SCO Summit
The Karachi administration, acting on the recommendation of Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ghulam Nabi Memon, has prohibited public gatherings, processions, and meetings of five or more people during this period. The restrictions are intended to mitigate potential threats to peace, as authorities anticipate protests and rallies that could disrupt the summit.
The IGP warned that these gatherings could not only pose significant security risks but also cause inconvenience to citizens during the high-profile SCO Summit. As a result, law enforcement agencies are on high alert to prevent any disturbances during the event.
Punjab Joins with Section 144 in Five Districts
In addition to Karachi, the Punjab Home Ministry has also imposed Section 144 in five districts—Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzzafargarh, Rajanpur, and Kot Addu—from October 13 to October 15. The provincial government has banned all political gatherings, sit-ins, and rallies in these areas, citing security concerns.
The primary goal of these restrictions is to prevent large gatherings from becoming targets for miscreants, particularly in light of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) call for protests in Islamabad. By imposing Section 144, authorities aim to ensure public safety during a period of heightened risk of unrest.
As the SCO Summit brings together international leaders, the Pakistani government remains focused on maintaining peace and security, both in Karachi and the affected districts of Punjab.
