Pakistan authorities enforced a lockdown in Islamabad on Friday, as well as implementing a blockade on cellphone services, to counter an anti-government demonstration organized by supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

According to the Islamabad police, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure is in force in the city. The section empowers the authorities to ban certain activities in the public interest to maintain law and order. In the statement, the authorities requested citizens not to be part of any illegal activity and to observe traffic advisories for road closures while traveling. Violations of this ban can be punished with fines and imprisonment under section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The rally was organized by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party to protest against Khan’s imprisonment and to oppose pending constitutional amendments. Imran Khan, through X (formerly Twitter), called for peaceful protests in Islamabad and Lahore on Friday 4th, October, emphasizing the importance of standing up against oppressive forces.

Local reports said the enforcement of the measures has resulted in the closure of educational institutions, heightened security in Islamabad, authorization for army deployment in the capital, suspension of mobile phone services, and a prohibition on double riding. Additionally, over 400 individuals have been arrested in connection with the planned rally.

According to PTI, Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, was arrested by the police at D Chowk for attempting to participate in the peaceful protest.

Amnesty International criticized the road blockades and blanket shutdown of communication networks prior to the protests for infringing on fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, peaceful assembly, and movement. The organization emphasized Pakistan’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, urging compliance with human rights standards in light of the upcoming review by the Human Rights Committee.

Pakistan enacted a new Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024 in September, which outlawed unpermitted protests on the ground of “disruption of daily activities.” Participating in an unlawful assembly under the new law can result in six months to three years imprisonment. Amnesty International similarly criticized the law as “another attack on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly in Pakistan.”