The Punjab Home Department has announced the enforcement of Section 144 throughout the province from the 1st to the 10th of Muharram, aiming to uphold peace and prevent any potential unrest during the sacred Islamic month.
In an official notification issued on Saturday, the department stated that all activities considered sensitive or provocative will be strictly prohibited during this period. Enhanced security protocols will be in place to curb any risk of sectarian violence.
Read more: Section 144 Imposed Near Bacha Khan Airport to Boost Security
Authorities have clarified that no new religious gatherings or processions will be permitted during Muharram. Additionally, the public display of firearms — licensed or otherwise — has been completely banned.
Section 144 will also apply to all forms of speech, slogans, or gestures that could inflame religious or sectarian tensions. This restriction extends to all platforms, including social media, loudspeakers, and printed materials promoting hate speech or sectarianism.
The notification also specified that pillion riding would be restricted across Punjab on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, with exceptions for women, senior citizens, and law enforcement personnel.
As part of a broader security strategy, the construction of temporary structures such as marquees on rooftops along procession routes has been disallowed. Moreover, storing stones, bricks, bottles, or other objects that could be used for violence on rooftops or nearby areas is strictly forbidden.
The public will also not be allowed to gather on rooftops or in front of shops located along the paths of Muharram processions. Officials have urged citizens to fully cooperate with security forces and warned that any violation of these directives will result in firm legal consequences.
All restrictions will remain in effect province-wide from the 1st to the 10th of Muharram, while the ban on pillion riding is limited to the last two days of that period.
