Section 144 imposed across Punjab after warnings of suicide bombings, VBIED attacks

• Weddings, funerals, worship, courts, official govt events exempt.
• Carrying, displaying or brandishing weapons in public prohibited.
• Police, CTD, district admins seek immediate preventive measures.

LAHORE: The Punjab government on Sunday imposed a five-day ban on public gatherings across the province amid “multiple threat alerts” warning of possible terrorist activities.

The restrictions, imposed under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), will remain in place until September 17 (Thursday), according to a notification issued by the Home Department.

The notification said, “Credible reports have been received from law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and intelligence agencies (IAs) mentioning a serious and imminent threat to public peace, tranquillity, and the safety of life and property across the province of Punjab by militant/terrorist organisations and hostile intelligence agencies (HIAS).”

It said intelligence agencies had issued “multiple threat alerts” about possible attacks involving suicide bombers, vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and targeted killings.

Such attacks, according to the notification, could be carried out “during large public gatherings across Punjab to create mayhem, social unrest and disrupt public peace”.

The Home Department said public assemblies and demonstrations could become “potential targets for such terrorist attacks”, while there was a “strong apprehension that certain elements may engage in activities, gatherings, or demonstrations that are likely to cause assemblies of persons”.

The Punjab police chief, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Special Branch of Punjab Police and several district administrations had called for “immediate preventive measures” in view of the potential threats, the notification said.

Under the restrictions, processions and gatherings involving five or more people at public places, roads, highways and open spaces have been prohibited from September 13 to September 17.

The ban does not cover marriage ceremonies, funeral prayers, prayers at mosques and other places of worship, court proceedings or official government events.

The Home Department also prohibited “inciting people to participate in unlawful assemblies”.

The government separately imposed restrictions on carrying, displaying or brandishing weapons at public places.

However, the weapons restriction does not apply to law enforcement, intelligence, and security personnel while performing their official duties.

The latest measures come as authorities remain on heightened alert over possible militant activity and seek to prevent large gatherings from becoming targets for attacks.