Section 144 imposed across Punjab until October 15

LAHORE: The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province from October 6 to October 15, banning gatherings of five or more people in public places, on roads, and in open spaces.

As per a report, the notification prohibits carrying or displaying weapons in public places and bars people from encouraging or inviting others to participate in illegal gatherings.

The restrictions will not apply to weddings, funeral prayers, burials, mosques and other places of worship. Courts, government offices and officially authorised events will also remain exempt from the restrictions.

Moreover, law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies and security personnel deployed on duty will also be exempt from the restrictions.

The Punjab Home Department said it made the decision in view of serious threats to public peace and the safety of life and property. The department said law enforcement and intelligence agencies had reported immediate security threats.

However, intelligence reports indicated that terrorist organisations could target public gatherings, with rallies, demonstrations, sit-ins and processions potentially becoming vulnerable targets.

The Home Department said law enforcement agencies had requested immediate preventive measures to address possible security threats. The Secretary Home imposed the restrictions under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.

A Punjab Home Department spokesperson said protecting citizens’ lives and property remained the provincial government’s top priority and confirmed that a notification for the immediate enforcement of Section 144 had been issued.