• The Islamabad district magistrate ordered the imposition of prohibitions under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) until January 18, 2026. 
• The action comes following the reported plans of rallies by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) every Tuesday from December 2, to oppose the alleged delay in the hearing of cases against imprisoned PTI founder Imran Khan. The protesters will also hold a protest outside the Adiala Jail after the IHC protest. 
• Simultaneously, the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner also ordered similar prohibitions in Rawalpindi until December 3, citing “imminent threats” identified by the district intelligence committee (DIC), particularly around sensitive installations, major roads, and other critical infrastructure.
• The prohibitions under Section 144 effectively ban all public gatherings, protests, and rallies of more than five individuals across the ICT and Rawalpindi.   

1. The imposition of the prohibitory order in ICT and Rawalpindi is likely precautionary in nature, potentially aimed at restricting the gathering by the PTI protesters, particularly the weekly protests outside the IHC every Tuesday from December 2, and a demonstration outside the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on December 2. Further, it reflects ongoing security concerns due to the significant risk of unrest during the protests, particularly potential clashes between PTI supporters and the authorities, given the heightened sentiments surrounding the issue, coupled with mounting frustrations among the PTI supporters due to perceived denial of the right to assembly. The authorities anticipate unrest spillover risks, as witnessed from instances of violence during the PTI-led protests between November 25-26.
2. As part of the implementation of Section 144 security measures, the authorities are expected to heighten security across key government offices, religious sites, and public venues by deploying riot units, police, special forces, and setting up checkpoints. That said, the decision of the PTI to continue with the rallies despite the restrictive measures is likely to prompt stringent actions by the authorities. The actions are likely to include forceful dispersal measures such as detentions for violating Section 144 orders. In case of escalating unrest, the authorities are likely to impose a curfew that will significantly affect business and travel across the ICT and Rawalpindi. Significant travel disruptions are anticipated in the aforementioned locations in the ICT and Rawalpindi due to the slated protests and associated security measures.

Those operating or residing in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on December 2 and over the coming days are advised to maintain heightened vigilance due to the imposition of the ongoing prohibitory orders and associated security measures, while allotting for travel disruptions.