Punjab imposes Section 144 across province until October 5
The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province amid security concerns, with the restrictions coming into effect on September 23.
The order has been issued by the Punjab Home Department under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.
The restrictions will remain in place until October 5. Authorities have cited concerns about public safety and the security of lives and property behind the restrictions.
Gatherings of five or more people banned
Under the notification, gatherings of five or more people at public places, roads and open spaces have been prohibited. The restriction also covers political rallies, processions, sit-ins and demonstrations.
The order means such gatherings cannot be held during the period covered by the Section 144 notification unless they fall under an applicable exemption or have the required official permission.
The restrictions are aimed at preventing situations that could affect public order and safety.
Weapons banned at public places
The Punjab government has also prohibited the carrying and public display of all kinds of weapons at public places. The restriction applies to the display or carrying of weapons in areas covered by the order.
Officials have linked the measure to the wider security situation in the province. Law-enforcement and security personnel performing official duties are exempt from the weapons restriction.
Action against unlawful gatherings
The notification also prohibits inviting, encouraging or provoking people to participate in gatherings declared unlawful under the order. Anyone violating the restrictions may face legal action under the relevant laws.
The measure gives authorities additional powers to prevent gatherings that could create law-and-order problems. The government has also urged citizens to follow the restrictions during the period of enforcement.
Weddings and funerals remain exempt
The Section 144 restrictions do not apply to several routine and essential activities. Wedding ceremonies have been excluded from the restrictions. Funeral prayers and burial activities are also exempt.
Routine gatherings at mosques, imambargahs and other places of worship can continue under the notification. These exemptions allow important religious and social activities to take place despite the province-wide restrictions.
Courts and government offices exempted
Courts, government offices and institutions have also been excluded from the restrictions. Official activities carried out by government departments can therefore continue as usual.
Events held with formal administrative permission are also covered by the exemptions specified in the notification. This allows authorities to maintain essential public services while the wider restrictions remain in force.
Security personnel exempt during duty
The notification also provides an exemption for law-enforcement personnel, intelligence agencies and security officials performing official duties. These personnel can continue carrying out their assigned responsibilities despite the restrictions.
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The exemption is intended to ensure that security operations and official duties are not affected by the Section 144 order. It also allows security agencies to respond to any situation requiring immediate action.
Security measures tightened across Punjab
The latest Section 144 order comes as authorities have increased security preparations in several parts of Punjab. The provincial government has separately requested Rangers deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali until October 5 to assist police with law and order.
The request covers a period in which authorities are preparing for expected political activity and public gatherings. Security arrangements have therefore been strengthened in areas considered important for maintaining public order.
Why Section 144 has been imposed
Section 144 is generally used by authorities as a preventive measure when there are concerns about public order, safety or security.
Punjab has previously imposed similar restrictions during periods of heightened security concerns. Earlier this month, the provincial government also imposed a temporary province-wide ban on gatherings, citing threat alerts concerning possible terrorist activities.
The latest order again places restrictions on large public gatherings and related activities. Authorities have said such measures are intended to protect people and maintain peace.
Restrictions remain in force until October 5
The current restrictions will remain effective across Punjab until October 5. During this period, citizens are required to follow the rules concerning public gatherings, demonstrations, and the carrying or display of weapons.
People planning events should also check whether their activities fall under the exemptions or require formal administrative permission. Authorities may issue further instructions if the security situation changes.
