KARACHI: The Karachi administration has imposed a ban on all public gatherings and assemblies across the division until November 24.
The decision, taken under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), is intended to ensure security during the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2024, being hosted at the Karachi Expo Centre from November 19 to 22.
The move was prompted by concerns raised by Additional Inspector General Javed Akhtar Odho, who warned that public gatherings could pose serious security risks and inconvenience international delegates attending the event.
In light of this, Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi has prohibited protests, rallies, sit-ins, and assemblies of more than five persons within Karachi Division for seven days.
Station house officers have been authorized to register cases against those violating the ban to maintain law and order.
In conjunction with the ban, the Sindh government has announced the closure of private schools located around Sharea Faisal and Habib Ibrahim Rahmatullah Road for four days, starting November 19. The frequent movement of dignitaries to and from the Expo Centre via these roads is expected to disrupt regular activity.
A special traffic plan has also been issued by Karachi police to manage city movement during the event.
The IDEAS exhibition, a prominent event since its inception in 2000, highlights Pakistan’s domestic arms manufacturing capabilities and serves as a platform for international vendors to present defense solutions tailored to the needs of Pakistan’s armed forces. This year’s event will attract global defense leaders and foreign delegations, underlining its importance for Pakistan’s defense sector and international collaboration.
The ban coincides with a protest announced by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on November 24, which the party has portrayed as pivotal for its political future. Despite the restrictions, PTI is ramping up preparations for the demonstration, with its founder, Imran Khan, issuing instructions from prison to mobilize supporters for what he describes as a “decisive moment.”
The overlap of IDEAS 2024 and PTI’s protest adds a layer of complexity to the already tense political and security climate in Karachi, making the coming days crucial for both law enforcement and political stakeholders.
