On Sunday, the Balochistan Home Department has invoked Section 144, imposing restrictions on highways and designated red zone areas throughout Balochistan. A notification cited the implementation of Section 144 under the Criminal Procedure Code of 1898 as a measure to prevent the breach of peace and maintain law and order.
Section 144 entails a prohibition on gatherings of five or more individuals and processions on national highways, main roads, and red zone areas across Balochistan. This includes a ban on gatherings and processions from Hockey Chowk to GPO Chowk and Anscomb Road in Quetta city.
The notification specifies that all types of gatherings will be prohibited from Hockey Chowk to the Afghan Consulate and along Hali Road. Additionally, meetings and processions within the jurisdiction of the Balochistan Assembly, Metropolitan Corporation, Deputy Commissioner’s Office, and Balochistan High Court will also be restricted.
The restrictions imposed by Section 144 will remain in effect until further notice.
