Islamabad – The district administration of Islamabad has imposed Section 144 in the city for security reasons, a spokesperson for the Islamabad Police said in a statement on Thursday.
The move comes ahead of the opening session of the National Assembly, which is scheduled to take place later today.
Section 144 prohibits the assembly of four or more people in a public place. It is often invoked by authorities to prevent protests and other gatherings that could pose a security risk.
The spokesperson said that security has been beefed up in the high-security zone, which includes the Parliament House and other government buildings.
Only people with invitations will be allowed to enter the Parliament House, the spokesperson added.
Guests who are planning to attend the National Assembly session have been advised to check their invitations, as some have been canceled.
The spokesperson said that no protests will be allowed.
Security cameras are being used to monitor the situation, the spokesperson added.
Anyone who violates Section 144 will be face legal action.
In a separate statement, the National Assembly Secretariat announced that it has canceled the upper visitor gallery cards issued for today’s session.
The spokesperson for the secretariat said that the cards were canceled due to security reasons.
The secretariat has requested that members of the National Assembly bring the cards issued by the secretariat with them.
Members have also been warned that they will need the cards issued by the National Assembly to enter the National Assembly Hall.
