The Punjab government enforced Section 144 across the province, placing a ban on all political protests, rallies, sit-ins and related activities.

The government issued the notification, prohibiting such events for Saturday (February 8). In a statement, the Punjab Home Department clarified that the imposition of Section 144 was necessary to ensure public order, protect human lives, and safeguard property.

“Public rallies and sit-ins can serve as soft targets for terrorists,” the department stated, underlining the security concerns.

The department also highlighted the risk of anti-state elements exploiting public protests for unlawful activities. “Miscreants can take advantage of public protests to engage in anti-state actions,” the Punjab Home Department added.

The decision to impose Section 144 was made based on recommendations from the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order and the Provincial Intelligence Committee. A notification for the enforcement of Section 144 was subsequently issued by the Punjab Home Department.

In a separate development, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, allocated funds for the upcoming political rally.

He provided Rs50million to the party for the event, scheduled to take place the following day.

Sources revealed that a large convoy led by Umar Amin Gandapur would depart from Dera Ismail Khan and head to Swabi for the rally. "The expenses for the convoy, including vehicle rentals and other costs, have been covered," the sources confirmed.

The spokesperson for the chief minister clarified that Ali Amin Gandapur personally funded the expenses for the rally, affirming, “The chief minister paid for the costs out of his own pocket.”