Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi has banned gatherings of more than five people in Karachi Division from 11 October to 20 October. Peshawar's deputy commissioner has a separate seven-day order from 12 October that bars protests and any gathering of five or more, after warnings about threats to sensitive installations and major roads. Hyderabad Division has a 15-day ban across nine districts, and Kohat and Hangu have imposed 30-day restrictions.
Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure is the power these administrations have used to limit assemblies when they cite a risk to life or public order. People who disobey can face a case under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
What Peshawar has prohibited
The Peshawar order, effective 12 October 2026, stops public meetings, rallies, processions, sit-ins and demonstrations, as well as any gathering of five or more people inside district limits. The administration said the agency warnings pointed to risks that could endanger human lives and public order. People may not display weapons in public places. Law enforcement personnel are exempt only while performing official duties.
The order also prohibits carrying pointed sticks, ball bearings, petrol bombs and other items that could be used for violence. It remains in force for seven days unless the administration amends or withdraws it. Violators face legal action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Further detail is in Peshawar district bars protests and rallies for 7 days.
Orders in Karachi and Hyderabad Division
Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi imposed Section 144 from 11 October to 20 October. The notification bans holding, organising or joining protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, rallies, processions or other gatherings of more than five people inside Karachi Division. It cites road blockages that slow emergency services and hospital access, and the risk of a worse law-and-order situation.
On 12 October, Hyderabad Commissioner Fayyaz Abbasi imposed Section 144 across the division for the next 15 days. The notification covers Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari and Dadu. It bans gatherings of five or more people. It also bars demonstrations, rallies, processions, sit-ins and hunger strikes, and public meetings held without permission. Road blockages, disruption of traffic flow, use of loudspeakers and the display of weapons are prohibited as well.
Kohat, Hangu and the Section 144 time limit
Deputy Commissioner Kohat Mohammad Nawaz Wazir and Deputy Commissioner Hangu Baseer Ali Rahman issued separate orders with immediate effect. Each bars gatherings of five or more people throughout the district. The administrations said they acted to maintain law and order, protect lives and property and prevent untoward incidents amid the prevailing security situation. The orders last 30 days unless withdrawn earlier, and violators face action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The Section 144 time limit differs by district. For readers following the Section 144 imposed in Peshawar, the restriction runs seven days from 12 October unless it is amended or withdrawn. Karachi's order runs from 11 October to 20 October, Hyderabad Division's order is for 15 days, and the Kohat and Hangu orders are for 30 days.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Peshawar mein Section 144 saat din ke liye lag gaya hai. Paanch ya us se zyada logon ka ijtema, jalsa, rally aur dharna mana hai. Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi ne 11 October se 20 October tak paanch se zyada logon ka ijtema mana kiya hai; Hyderabad Division ke nau zilon mein pabandi 15 din hai, aur Kohat aur Hangu mein 30 din. Hathyar dikhana mana hai, aur Peshawar mein noke wale dande, ball bearing aur petrol bomb le kar chalna bhi mana hai.
