LAHORE: The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province from October 6 to October 15, banning gatherings of five or more people at public places, roads and open spaces amid security threats.
According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, the restrictions also prohibit political rallies, processions, sit-ins, demonstrations and similar activities.
The order also bans carrying or displaying weapons of any kind at public places and encouraging or inviting people to join unlawful assemblies.
The Home Department said the restrictions were imposed following intelligence reports that terrorist organisations were planning to target public gatherings. Law-enforcement agencies and intelligence outfits had shared immediate threat assessments, warning that assemblies, rallies and processions could become targets for attacks.
Officials said the measures had been taken to protect lives and property in the province.
However, the restrictions do not apply to wedding ceremonies, funeral prayers, burials or routine gatherings at mosques, imambargahs and other places of worship. Courts, government offices and events held with formal administrative permission have also been exempted.
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Law-enforcement personnel, intelligence agency staff and security officials performing official duties will remain outside the restrictions.
The latest order extends the province-wide restrictions that were in place until October 5 over similar security concerns.
