Punjab Government Bans Public Gatherings Amid Imran Khan's Protest Call

The Punjab government in Pakistan has imposed a ban on all public gatherings in several districts due to 'terror threats,' following a protest call from jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. The PTI protests aim to oppose a constitutional amendment related to judiciary independence. Punjab officials cited potential terrorist exploitation as the reason for the ban.

The Punjab government of Pakistan has enforced a ban on all forms of public gatherings across multiple districts, citing 'terror threats.' This decision comes in the wake of a protest call made by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, who aims to prevent a constitutional amendment to judicial terms.

Imran Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has called for nationwide protests to protect the 'independence of the judiciary.' His party claims the government intends to increase judges' retirement age and modify the chief justice's tenure.

In response, Punjab's interior ministry has implemented prohibitory orders in districts including Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, and Mianwali to avert potential subversive activities by terrorists during the PTI's planned rallies. The ban will affect all forms of political gatherings, including protests and demonstrations, as deemed necessary for public safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)