Section 144 to be imposed in Rawalpindi during Saudi Crown Prince’s visit

ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government on Friday announced the imposition of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code in Rawalpindi during the upcoming visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salam to Pakistan.

Mohammed bin Salman will arrive in Pakistan on February 16 for a two-day visit and is expected to stay at the Prime Minister House during his visit.

The premier is expected to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries and contemporary global developments including the Yemen war and the Afghan peace process.

According to sources in the district government, the deputy commissioner of Rawalpindi has sent a letter to the interior ministry for the imposition of Section 144 in Rawalpindi from February 15 to 21.

A notification for the imposition of Section 144 has been issued by the Punjab government, sources further said.

Section 144 prohibits public gatherings of five or more people, processions and rallies in any public place within the limits of the area where the law has been imposed.

Display and carrying of weapons is also banned under the section.

Further, a ban on pillion riding will be imposed in the federal capital for two-days during the crown prince’s visit. The ban on pillion riding will be imposed from February 16 and 17 in Islamabad.

Metrobus train service till Faizabad will also be temporarily suspended during the two-day visit. The public has been requested to take alternative routes.

Moreover, trails 2,3 and 5 walking trails will also be closed for the public from February 15 to 17.

The Saudi crown prince will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including members of the Saudi Royal family, key ministers and leading businessmen.

This will be the first state-level visit of the dignitary to Pakistan since his elevation to the position of crown prince in April 2017.

During his visit, the crown prince will call on President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

A Senate delegation will also call on the crown prince to discuss ways to enhance parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.

The Saudi Ministers accompanying the crown prince will meet their counterparts to discuss bilateral cooperation in their respective fields.

During his stay, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will be signing a number of agreements and MoUs in diverse sectors. The two countries will also discuss ways and means to develop a robust follow-up mechanism to ensure effective implementation and quick progress on tangible areas of cooperation.