CHAKWAL: Section 144 of the Pakistan Penal Code was imposed in Chakwal by the District Coordination Officer (DCO), Mehmood Javed Bhatti, in order to maintain the law and order situation after religious leaders announced they will observe Friday as a “day of protest”.

The district administration is trying to restore peace in the district, particularly in Dulmial, where a curfew like situation is being witnessed after a mob attacked an Ahmadi place of worship on Monday.

According to the order issued, hate speech, incendiary slogans, speeches, writings and wall chalking which could incite sectarian violence and the display of weapons will not be allowed.

The order said that strict legal action will be taken against those who hold rallies without permission from concerned authorities and that the assembly of five or more than five persons in bazaars, squares and streets will be banned and warns violators of strict legal action.

Meanwhile, leaders of various religious organisations in Chakwal warned of protests while addressing a press conference held at the residence of Shaibzada Abdul Qadoos Naqashbandi, the district president of the Almi Majlis-i-Tahaffuz-i-Khatm-i-Nabuwat. They decided to observe Friday as “a day of protest”. However, instead of taking out rallies, they decided to pass resolutions in all the mosques of the district.

more:   http://www.dawn.com/news/1302632/section-144-imposed-in-chakwal

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2016