Punjab Imposes Section 144 Until Sept 17 Over Security Threats

LAHORE: The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province from September 13 through September 17, restricting public gatherings and several related activities after authorities cited serious threats to public peace, security and the lives and property of citizens. The province-wide order was issued by the Punjab Home Department and took effect on Sunday.

Under the notification, assemblies, processions and gatherings of five or more people have been prohibited at public places, highways and open spaces across Punjab. The restrictions also bar the carrying or public display of weapons and prohibit individuals from encouraging or inciting participation in gatherings that fall within the scope of the order.

Provincial authorities said the decision followed reports received from law-enforcement and intelligence agencies about imminent security threats. According to the official assessment cited in the notification, terrorist organisations could attempt to target public gatherings, raising concerns that rallies, demonstrations, sit-ins, processions and other large assemblies may become vulnerable to attacks.

Law-enforcement agencies consequently requested immediate preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk to civilians and maintaining public order. Acting on those recommendations, the Punjab Home Secretary imposed the restrictions under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, and directed authorities throughout the province to enforce the order during the specified period.

The notification includes several exemptions intended to allow routine religious, family and official activities to continue. Wedding ceremonies, funeral prayers, burials and gatherings at mosques and other places of worship are not covered by the prohibition. Courts, government institutions and events conducted with official permission are also exempt, as are law-enforcement personnel, intelligence officials and security staff performing official duties.

The restrictions are expected to affect political, social and protest activity across Pakistan's most populous province for the duration of the order. Organisers of rallies, demonstrations or other public events involving five or more people will be required to comply with the ban unless their activity falls under an authorised exemption. The prohibition on displaying weapons is also intended to reduce security risks at public locations while the threat assessment remains in force.

The Punjab government has said protecting citizens and their property remains its priority and has appealed for public cooperation with enforcement agencies. Police and district administrations are expected to monitor compliance across the province until September 17, while any further action will depend on the security situation and subsequent assessments by provincial and law-enforcement authorities.