Rawalpindi:
Rawalpindi authorities imposed article 144 throughout the district, prohibiting all public rallies, motorcycle driving and rallies from August 4 to August 10, citing security problems before the demonstration of Pakistan Tehreek-E-insaf (PTI).
The office of the deputy commissioner published an official notification on Monday, declaring that the restrictions aim to maintain the law and the order for a significant period.
According to the notification, “there will be a complete ban on political rallies, rallies and processions in the Rawalpindi district. The pill on motorcycles will also be prohibited from August 4 to 10. ”
Notification also prohibits the display of weapons and the use of speakers in public spaces. Any attempt to remove official road dams placed on the major arteries will lead to legal action, officials have warned.
Administrative repression comes in the midst of the continuous mobilization efforts of PTI despite continuous political and legal challenges. The party has not officially announced a rally in Rawalpindi, but the authorities seem to take preventive measures.
It should be noted that after a series of failed demonstrations, the founder of the PTI once again decided to demonstrate the power of the street to campaign for the rule of law and the publication of imprisoned party leaders and workers. However, the party seems to be divided on key political issues, with dissident voices overflowing more and more in public.
Days before his protest scheduled for August 5, the PTI faces a general repression, the party leaders hide, the workers reporting home raids and several bank accounts have been frozen. Party leaders and workers allege that the Punjab police intensified efforts to remove the demonstration by launching an intimidation campaign.
Many party workers deplore that since August 1, police have been hitting the doors, forcing workers to sign affidavits promising not to participate in the demonstration.
The raids led to panic in the ranks of PTI, with several leaders choosing to go underground to avoid arrest. Party sources claim that the “Knocking” campaign has quickly developed in the past few days.
In addition to the tactics of pressure in the field, several reports have emerged from the financial restrictions imposed on the management of the PTI. The banking account of Hafiz Zeeshan Rasheed, a PTI office office office in Punjab, was frozen, one of the many cases, according to the party.
