Section 144 Imposed Across Punjab, Ban on Gatherings of Five or More, Rallies and Protests
LAHORE: Section 144 has been imposed across Punjab from October 6 to 15 amid public order and security concerns, with a ban on gatherings of five or more people, rallies, processions, sit-ins and demonstrations.
Under Section 144, gatherings of five or more people at public places, roads and open spaces have been prohibited. The restrictions also cover political rallies, processions, demonstrations and sit-ins.
According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, carrying or displaying all kinds of weapons at public places has also been prohibited. Encouraging or instigating people to participate in illegal gatherings will likewise be banned.
The notification said wedding ceremonies, funeral prayers, burials, mosques and other places of worship would remain exempt from the restrictions. Courts, government institutions and events held with official permission will also be exempt.
Law-enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies and security personnel deployed on duty have also been exempted from the restrictions.
According to the Home Department, law-enforcement and intelligence agencies had received information indicating that public gatherings could be potential targets of terrorist attacks. Intelligence reports suggested that terrorist organisations might be planning attacks on public gatherings.
The notification stated that gatherings, rallies, political meetings, sit-ins, processions and demonstrations could become easy targets for terrorist attacks. In view of the threat, law-enforcement agencies had requested immediate preventive security measures.
The Punjab Home Secretary imposed the restrictions under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.
The Punjab Home Department said the protection of the lives and property of citizens remained the government’s top priority.
