Pakistan Imposes Section 144 in Rawalpindi Ahead of PTI Protest Amid Concerns Over Imran Khan’s Health

The Pakistan government on Monday imposed Section 144 and banned public gatherings in Rawalpindi ahead of a major protest by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf (PTI), demanding access to Khan.

The order, signed by Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema, will remain in effect from December 1 to 3. It prohibits assemblies of five or more people, rallies, sit-ins, processions, protests, and the carrying of weapons, petrol bombs, or other potentially harmful items. Pillion riding on two-wheelers and loudspeakers in the city are also banned.

The government cited “imminent threats” to public safety, noting that intelligence indicated groups were mobilising to disrupt law and order and potentially target sensitive locations.

Concerns Over Khan’s Health

The move comes amid persistent rumours about Khan’s health and reports that his family has had no direct contact with him for over three weeks, despite court orders allowing weekly visits. Khan’s son, Kasim Khan, described the uncertainty about his father’s condition as “a form of psychological torture,” adding that the family fears “something irreversible” may be concealed.

Authorities have repeatedly denied restrictions on Khan’s health, with a jail official stating he is in good condition. Khan, 73, has been in prison since August 2023 following convictions in multiple politically sensitive cases, including the Toshakhana case and separate graft and diplomatic leak cases, resulting in lengthy sentences.