The Karachi administration has imposed a seven-day ban on all forms of public gatherings within the city, coinciding with the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2024. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Defence and Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO), is being held at the Karachi Expo Centre from November 19 to 22.
The directive, issued by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), prohibits protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, rallies, and gatherings of more than five people across Karachi Division. The notification, dated November 18, cites security concerns raised by Additional Inspector General Javed Akhtar Odho, who emphasised that public gatherings could pose serious risks and disrupt the dignitaries’ movement during IDEAS 2024.
The ban, effective until November 24, aims to ensure the safety of international guests and maintain law and order. Violations of the prohibition may result in legal action, with station house officers authorised to register cases against offenders.
In addition, the Sindh government has ordered the closure of private schools located along Sharea Faisal and Habib Ibrahim Rahmatullah Road for four days. This measure was taken to facilitate the movement of dignitaries attending the defence exhibition.
Section 144 has been invoked in Karachi on several occasions in recent months. In October, it was enforced ahead of marches announced by a religio-political party and civil society groups. That instance saw clashes between police and protesters, leading to the suspension of ten officers and the arrest of over 20 political workers for defying the ban.
The Karachi administration’s decision underscores the critical importance placed on ensuring security and minimizing disruption during high-profile events such as IDEAS 2024.
