Section 144 imposed in Hyderabad division and Karachi
HYDERABAD: Hyderabad Commissioner Fayyaz Abbasi has imposed Section 144 across all nine districts of the division for the next 15 days, banning public gatherings of five or more people and restricting several other activities.
Under the order, demonstrations, rallies, processions, sit-ins, hunger strikes and public meetings without permission have been prohibited in Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari and Dadu.
The restrictions also prohibit road blockages, disruption of traffic flow, the use of loudspeakers and the display of weapons.
Separately, Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi has imposed Section 144 in the city for 10 days, from October 11 to October 20, 2026, banning gatherings of more than five people, protests, rallies and sit-ins.
According to the notification issued by the Karachi commissioner, the Sindh Home Department and police officials had reported that protests and sit-ins on major roads, intersections and roundabouts frequently cause severe traffic congestion, disrupt daily life and create security concerns.
The notification further stated that road closures could obstruct emergency services and make access to hospitals difficult. Such activities could also disrupt public and commercial activities and potentially affect law and order.
The administration said the restrictions were necessary to maintain public order, protect citizens’ lives and property, ensure public safety and security, and facilitate the uninterrupted provision of essential services.
The Karachi commissioner directed the relevant authorities to ensure strict implementation of the order, warning that legal action could be taken against violators.
Under the notification, station house officers (SHOs) of the relevant police stations have been authorised to file written complaints under Section 195(1)(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Violations may also lead to legal action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
