The Punjab government on Tuesday imposed Section 144 across the province for 10 days, prohibiting public gatherings of five or more people after authorities cited security threats to public safety and property.
The restrictions come as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march, led by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, continues its phased mobilisation. The convoy reached Kohat after travelling through Lakki Marwat and Karak and is scheduled to move towards Peshawar.
According to the Punjab Home Department notification, intelligence and law-enforcement agencies reported a “serious and imminent threat” from militant organisations and what the order described as hostile intelligence agencies. Authorities said threat alerts included the possibility of suicide attacks, vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and targeted killings at large gatherings.
The notification warned that rallies, sit-ins, processions, demonstrations and jalsas could become “potential targets for such terrorist attacks”, potentially endangering lives, property and critical infrastructure.
The order followed requests for preventive measures from Punjab Police, the Counter Terrorism Department, Special Branch and several divisional and district administrations.
Under the restrictions, assemblies, processions and gatherings involving five or more people are prohibited in public places, streets, roads, highways, motorways and open spaces across Punjab. Carrying or displaying weapons in public has also been prohibited.
The ban does not apply to weddings, funeral prayers, burials or prayers at mosques, churches and other places of worship. Official government duties, court proceedings and events specifically permitted by the relevant deputy commissioner are also exempt.
The restrictions took effect on October 6 and are due to remain in force for 10 days, unless withdrawn or amended earlier.