Punjab decides to impose Section 144 ahead of Muharram

LAHORE – The Punjab government on Saturday decided the imposition of Section 144 across the province from the 1st to the 10th of Muharram to ensure peace and security during the holy month.

Under the restrictions, the public display of weapons and flammable materials without prior permission from the authorities will be strictly prohibited. Additionally, provocative slogans, gestures, or any acts that may incite sectarian or religious tensions will not be tolerated in public spaces.

Pillion riding will be banned on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, although senior citizens, women, and personnel of law enforcement agencies will be exempt from the restriction.

The authorities have also banned any new practices or innovations in Muharram processions and religious gatherings. The speeches or comments that promote sectarian or ethnic hatred via any medium or device will be strictly monitored and prohibited.

The security measures will include restrictions on rooftops and elevated platforms along procession routes. Citizens will not be allowed to construct makeshift posts or stockpile stones, bricks, bottles, or garbage on rooftops. Watching processions from rooftops or shop ledges will also be prohibited during the event.

The only exception to the timeline is the pillion riding restriction, which applies specifically on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, while all other measures will remain in effect for the full 10 days.

In a related development, the security has been intensified in Lahore, where police forces including Dolphin Squad and PRU have been placed on high alert.

In a recent operation, the Dolphin Force recovered a cache of weapons from a vehicle with tinted windows on Multan Road.

Five suspects were taken into custody, and the authorities seized two rifles, three pistols, dozens of bullets and magazines.

According to SP Dolphin Arslan Zahid, individuals including Kashif Ali, Muhammad Rahat, Azeem Anwar, Muhammad Mansab, and Basharat Ali have been arrested and handed over to the Chuhng police station for further investigation.