LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department on Wednesday decided to impose Section 144 across the province during first 10 days of the holy month of Muharram to ensure public safety and maintain law and order.
In this regard, an official notification has also been issued to implement Section 144 across Punjab during the first 10 days of Muharramul Haram.
The notification outlines several other restrictions to maintain security during Ashura-e-Muharram. These measures include a ban on taking out new processions, gatherings, and any activities that may lead to potential disruptions of public order. Additionally, the use of knives, swords, and sticks during processions has also been strictly prohibited.
To ensure the safety of residents and participants during Muharram processions, the authorities have also imposed a ban on people standing on the roofs of houses and shops along the procession routes.
This measure aims to prevent any accidents or incidents that may occur due to overcrowding or unsafe behavior. Furthermore, in an effort to minimize the risks associated with motorcycle-related incidents during the climax of the religious observance on 9th and 10th Muharram, the ban on pillion riding has been implemented.
This measure seeks to reduce the number of people on the roads, thus reducing the potential for accidents and maintaining public safety.
Section 144 is a legal provision that empowers the local administration to prohibit the assembly of five or more persons, public processions, and demonstrations to prevent any potential threat to public peace and tranquility.