Punjab imposes Section 144 across province till Oct 05

LAHORE: The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province immediately till October 05 amid serious threat to public order and the life and property of citizens, ARY News reported.

According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, gatherings, processions and assemblies of five or more people at public place, highways and open spaces have been banned under section 144.

The carrying and display of all types of weapons at public places, has also been prohibited. Encouraging or inciting people to participate in gatherings banned under the order is also prohibited.

The restrictions have been imposed following reports received from law enforcement agencies about immediate security threats. Intelligence reports have also indicated plans by terrorist outfits to target public gatherings.

The Home Department said large gatherings at rallies, public meetings, sit-ins, processions and demonstrations could become easy targets for terrorists.

Law enforcement agencies had requested immediate measures to deal with the potential threat, following which the Punjab Home Secretary imposed the restrictions under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.

The ban will not apply to wedding ceremonies, funeral prayers, burials, mosques and other places of worship.

Courts, government institutions and events held with official permission have also been exempted. The restrictions will not apply to law enforcement and security personnel deployed on official duty.

The Punjab Home Department said that protection of the lives and property of citizens remains the government’s foremost priority.