Punjab Imposes Section 144 Across Province for 10 Days Over Security Threats

LAHORE: The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province for a period of 10 days, banning all public gatherings, rallies, and protests due to heightened security threats. The provincial Home Department issued the official notification on Friday, citing intelligence reports of potential terror threats and public disorder that could disrupt peace in the region.

According to the official notification, the ban will remain in effect from November 23 to December 2, 2024. The Home Department emphasized that the decision was taken to safeguard public life and property, as anti-state elements could exploit public gatherings to carry out subversive activities. Under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the assembly of five or more people, carrying weapons, and the use of loudspeakers have been strictly prohibited.

This security measure comes at a politically sensitive time, as opposition parties, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have planned major protest demonstrations in Islamabad and surrounding regions. The imposition of these restrictions is expected to severely impact political mobilization and public movement across Punjab’s major cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan, while law enforcement agencies have been put on high alert to deal with any violations.

Local administrations and district police chiefs have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the order. Security forces are expected to establish checkpoints at key entry and exit points of major cities to monitor movement. The provincial government will review the security situation at the end of the 10-day period to decide whether to extend or lift the restrictions.