Section 144 in Balochistan till 22 October: gatherings, weapons and face covering banned

Section 144 is in force across all of Balochistan from 23 September 2026 for 30 days, until 22 October. The Balochistan Home Department has banned three things in public places: gatherings of five or more people, carrying weapons, and covering your face in a way that stops you being identified.

The order was signed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure. It applies in Quetta and every other district of the province.

What is banned until 22 October

Anyone who breaks the order will be proceeded against under the relevant law, the notification says. Section 144 violations are usually booked under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (disobeying an order of a public servant).

Why now

The Home Department cited reports of activities and gatherings likely to threaten public peace and security. It follows clearance operations in which 19 militants were killed since Sunday, and a soldier, Subedar Muhammad Jamil, was martyred (our report). This is the third province-wide Section 144 in Balochistan this year, after similar orders in May and June.

What it means for you in Quetta and the districts

• Mufflers and masks: nights in Quetta start getting cold in October, and a muffler pulled over the face is exactly what the order targets. Keep your face visible at checkpoints, markets and bus stands. A medical mask is not named as an exemption in the notification, so be ready to lower it when asked.
• Weddings, funerals and religious gatherings: the notification does not list exemptions. If you are planning one before 22 October, check with your local police station or the deputy commissioner's office first.
• Licensed weapon holders: carrying is banned in public places unless you are specifically authorised, for example on duty as security staff. A licence on its own may not be enough during the order.
• Protests: any rally, sit-in or procession in a public place is banned for the full 30 days.
• Carry your CNIC: checks increase under Section 144. If yours is lost or expired, our NADRA fee calculator shows the replacement cost for normal, urgent and executive processing.

Islamabad and Punjab too

Separate Section 144 orders are in force in Islamabad, and Rangers have been deployed in Islamabad and several Punjab districts ahead of PTI's planned 27 September march, with mobile and internet services to be suspended on 26 and 27 September: details for Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Attock.