Urdu Report Desk
The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province from September 13 to 17, prohibiting public gatherings, rallies, processions and sit-ins at public places, roads and open spaces.
According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, gatherings of five or more people will not be permitted at public places, on roads or in open areas during the enforcement period.
Restrictions on Weapons and Illegal Gatherings
The notification also bans carrying or displaying all types of weapons at public places. Encouraging or provoking people to participate in illegal gatherings has also been prohibited.
Events Exempted from the Restrictions
According to the Home Department, the restrictions will not apply to weddings, funeral prayers, burials, mosques or other places of worship.Courts, government institutions and events held with official permission will also remain exempt from the restrictions.
Exemption for Law Enforcement Personnel
The restrictions under Section 144 will not apply to law enforcement officers, intelligence agency personnel and security officials deployed on duty.
Reasons Behind the Section 144 Enforcement
The provincial government said the decision was taken in view of serious threats to public peace, security and the lives and property of citizens.The government stated that law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies had received information about immediate security threats.According to intelligence reports, terrorist organisations are planning to target public gatherings.
The Punjab Home Department warned that large crowds at rallies, public meetings, sit-ins, processions and demonstrations could become easy targets for potential terrorist attacks.
Appeal for Public Cooperation
Law enforcement agencies have urged citizens to cooperate with immediate security measures aimed at preventing potential terrorist attacks.The Home Department said the Secretary of the Interior had imposed an immediate ban on public gatherings under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.
The department emphasised that protecting the lives and property of citizens remains the Punjab government’s top priority.
