Pakistan: Sindh Government Imposes Section 144 Ahead of Assembly Session Amidst Protest Threats

In anticipation of protests by several political parties alleging election rigging, the Sindh government has imposed Section 144 in the south zone of the province. The move comes ahead of the inaugural session of the provincial assembly where newly elected members are set to convene.

The Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamaat-e-Islami, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam have announced plans to stage a protest outside the assembly building. In response, the Sindh government has banned public assemblies, gatherings, protests, processions, and demonstrations in the South Zone Karachi Division for a period of 30 days.

Sindh’s Interior Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Haris Nawaz, emphasized that Section 144 is now in effect around the assembly building, prohibiting any marches or protests nearby. Stringent security measures have been implemented to maintain law and order, with Nawaz warning of strict legal action against troublemakers.

Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori announced that the inaugural session of the provincial assembly will proceed as scheduled. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is poised to form the next government, having secured the most assembly seats in the recent elections.

During the session, newly elected members will take their oath as lawmakers, followed by the election of the House’s speaker. However, tensions remain high as opposition parties, including PTI, JI, and GDA, reject the poll results and accuse the PPP of rigging. These parties have vowed to stage province-wide protest demonstrations, raising concerns about potential unrest during the assembly session.

The situation underscores the political polarization in Sindh, with the ruling PPP facing opposition allegations of electoral malpractice as it prepares to assume power once again.