Punjab imposes Section 144 across province amid terrorist threat

Punjab government has imposed restrictions under Section 144 from 13 to 17 September to maintain law and order and protect lives and property, banning public gatherings, processions and sit-ins in public places and highways. The restrictions apply across Punjab, including Lahore, according to a notification issued by the provincial Home Department. Under the notification, gatherings of five or more people, processions and gatherings in public places, highways and open spaces are prohibited. The carrying and display of all kinds of weapons in public places is also banned, as is inciting or encouraging people to participate in illegal gatherings. The restrictions do not apply to wedding ceremonies, funeral prayers, burials, mosques and other places of worship. Courts, government institutions and events held with official permission are also exempted. Law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies and security personnel deployed on duty are exempt from the restrictions. The provincial government said Section 144 was imposed in view of serious threats to public peace, tranquillity and life and property across Punjab. It said law enforcement and intelligence agencies had provided information about immediate threats. According to intelligence reports, terrorist organisations were planning to target public gatherings. The Punjab Home Department warned that large numbers of people attending gatherings, rallies, meetings, sit-ins, processions and demonstrations could become easy targets for potential terrorist attacks. Law enforcement agencies had requested assistance in taking immediate security measures to deal with potential terrorist threats, the notification said. The notification said the Home Secretary had imposed the immediate ban on public gatherings under Section 144 (6) of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898, as the protection of public life and property was the top priority of the Punjab government.

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