In view of these concerns, the additional chief secretary (Home), imposed the ban on all political gatherings and rallies in Lahore in exercise of powers under Section 144 (6). The ban on political rallies came despite the start of the Punjab Assembly election process. Earlier on Wednesday, the same day when election schedule was announced, Section 144 was imposed in Lahore, banning all kinds of public assemblies. According to a senior government official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the power to impose the ban on rallies under Section 144 rested only with the district administration. He explained that Section 144 (6) under which those powers were being used, only allowed the provincial government to extend the ban, and not to impose it.

Source: The Express Tribune March 13, 2023 17:42 UTC