The imposition of Section 144 across Punjab has been challenged in the Lahore High Court, with petitioners questioning the legal basis of the restrictions ahead of the planned September 27 PTI protest.

The petition was filed by PTI MPAs Muhammad Ijaz Shafi and Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood, along with other petitioners, through Advocate Muhammad Azhar Siddique.

Petition questions government notification

The petitioners argued that the recent Section 144 notification appears to have been issued to prevent the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from holding its planned protest and sit-in on September 27.

They maintained that the notification does not identify any specific district, location or particular threat that would justify imposing restrictions across the province.

The petition asks the Lahore High Court to require the government to present the legal basis for imposing Section 144 along with the relevant official record.

Call for protection of constitutional rights

The petitioners have also challenged restrictions on peaceful gatherings and political activities, arguing that such measures conflict with fundamental constitutional rights.

They asked the court to suspend the restrictions on peaceful and unarmed assemblies and prevent authorities from arresting, detaining or registering cases against people solely for participating in peaceful political activities.

The legal challenge comes as authorities have imposed restrictions across Punjab ahead of the PTI’s planned September 27 march and protest. The Punjab government has also sought additional security arrangements in several districts amid concerns over law and order.