Section 144 imposed in Punjab, gatherings & sit-ins banned

LAHORE: The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 throughout the province, prohibiting all types of gatherings, demonstrations, processions, and rallies.

The Punjab Home Department has officially issued a notification implementing Section 144 throughout the province.

Section 144 has been implemented throughout the province, prohibiting all types of protests, public meetings, rallies, sit-ins, and gatherings, a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department said.

The spokesperson said that the restrictions will remain in place until October 18, under which the assembly of four or more people in public places is strictly prohibited.

The display of all kinds of weapons has also been banned across the province. The use of loudspeakers has been completely banned under Section 144, except for Azaan (call to prayer) and Friday sermons, the spokesperson added.

The printing and circulation of inflammatory, hateful, or sectarian content has also been strictly banned.

The Punjab government mentioned that the move was made because of “terrorism threats and public safety” concerns, with an intention to ensure law and order and safeguard lives and property.

The ban, however, does “not apply to weddings, funerals, or burial ceremonies”, and government officials carrying out their duties are exempt.

Authorities cautioned that terror groups would be able to target public rallies and protests as weak points, and anti-state forces could utilize such movements to execute their nefarious plans.