Questions arise about S-144 ban legality.

LAHORE -- The caretaker government once again prevented the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from taking out a rally in Lahore under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) but experts claimed on Sunday that the ban was imposed in contravention of the law.

It was stated that the PTI was conveyed via the Lahore deputy commissioner to postpone its rally in view of security threats, a cricket match, Jashan-e-Baharan, Marathon and the 7th population census.

In view of these concerns, the additional chief secretary (Home), imposed the ban on all political gatherings and rallies in Lahore in exercise of powers under Section 144 (6). The ban on political rallies came despite the start of the Punjab Assembly election process.

Earlier on Wednesday, the same day when election schedule was announced, Section 144 was imposed in Lahore, banning all kinds of public assemblies. Then the excuse of 'undefined recent threat alerts', and to ensure smooth flow of traffic, was given.

According to a senior government official, who spoke on the condition of...