Lahore: The Punjab Home Department has announced the enforcement of Section 144 across the province, prohibiting public gatherings to maintain law and order. The ban, effective from September 13 to September 17, restricts gatherings, processions, or assemblies of five or more people in public places, while also forbidding the display of weapons and incitement to unlawful assemblies.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the notification exempts marriage ceremonies, funeral prayers, and religious gatherings from these restrictions. Courts, government institutions, and events with official permission are also excluded. The decision follows reports from law enforcement and intelligence agencies indicating imminent security threats, with potential terrorist plots targeting public gatherings. In response, the Secretary Home has exercised powers under the Code of Criminal Procedure to impose these measures, prioritizing the protection of lives and property.