The Government of Balochistan has imposed Section 144 across the region for a period of 30 days, according to an official notification issued by the Home Department.
Under the order, the restrictions came into effect immediately on 23 September 2026 and will remain in force throughout Balochistan for one month.
The notification prohibits public displays of weapons, gatherings, sit-ins, rallies and demonstrations. It also bans assemblies of five or more people in public places, processions and similar activities.
In addition, the government has imposed restrictions on covering one’s face in public places, including through veils, masks or any other means that could obstruct the identification of an individual.
The notification was issued by Additional Chief Secretary Balochistan Hamza Shafqaat.
Section 144 of Pakistan’s Code of Criminal Procedure empowers authorities to impose temporary restrictions on public gatherings and certain activities in order to maintain public order and security. The provision has frequently been invoked in Balochistan during periods of heightened security concerns, political unrest and public protests.