LAHORE: The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province, banning all kinds of gatherings, demonstrations, processions and rallies.
The Punjab Home Department has formally issued a notification enforcing Section 144 across the province.
According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department, Section 144 has been enforced throughout the province, prohibiting all forms of protests, public meetings, rallies, sit-ins and gatherings.
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 publication and distribution of inflammatory, hateful, or sectarian material have also been strictly prohibited.
The Punjab government said the decision was taken due to concerns over “terrorism threats and public safety”, aiming to maintain law and order and protect lives and property.
The ban, however, does “not apply to weddings, funerals, or burial ceremonies”, and government officials performing their duties are exempt.
Officials warned that terrorist elements could exploit public gatherings and protests as soft targets, and that anti-state elements might take advantage of such situations to carry out their malicious agendas.
Earlier, the Punjab government announced that it would recommend to the federal government to ban ‘extremist party’ Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
The provincial government said that individuals involved in hate speech, incitement to violence, and attacks on law enforcement will be arrested immediately, and cases will be pursued under anti-terrorism laws.
The leadership of TLP is also to be included in the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, effectively placing them under strict surveillance. All of the party’s properties and assets will be transferred to the Auqaf Department, and a complete ban will be placed on its posters, banners, and advertisements. Additionally, the party’s bank accounts will be frozen, and its social media platforms spreading hatred will be shut down.