Islamabad district administration has prohibited gatherings, processions and demonstrations of five or more people in specified areas for two months.
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad district administration has imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, prohibiting gatherings, processions, rallies and demonstrations involving five or more people at public places within specified areas of the federal capital.
According to an order issued by Additional District Magistrate Dr. Anam Fatima on Sept. 18, 2026, the restriction will remain in force for two months and has been imposed in view of concerns over public peace, security and law and order.
The order covers the Red Zone, comprising the area west of the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Murree Road, including the New Embassy of China. It also covers areas south of University Road up to 4th Avenue, south of Khayaban-e-Iqbal from 4th Avenue to Ata Turk Avenue, east of Ata Turk Avenue up to Jinnah Avenue, east of Embassy Road up to Shahrah-e-Suhrawardy, north of Shahrah-e-Suhrawardy up to Serena Chowk, and the area north of Dhokri Chowk, including Convention Center Chowk on Kashmir Highway, up to the intersection of Murree Road and 3rd Avenue.
The administration said reports had indicated that certain segments of society were planning to organize processions, religious or sectarian gatherings and demonstrations that could affect public peace and tranquility.
The order states that sufficient grounds existed for action under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and that immediate preventive measures were required to protect public life and property.
Separately, the administration has reminded citizens that the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024 also regulates public assemblies in Islamabad Capital Territory. The law requires prior permission for assemblies and provides penalties for unlawful assemblies. Under Section 8, participation in an unlawful assembly can carry imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
The district administration has warned that violations of the restrictions may result in legal action under the applicable laws.
Citizens have been urged to avoid becoming part of unlawful activities and to cooperate with law enforcement and security agencies to help maintain peace and public order.
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