Section 144 has been imposed across Punjab from today until October 15, banning public gatherings of five or more people at public places, roads and open spaces.
According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, the restrictions prohibit gatherings, processions, rallies, public meetings and sit-ins across the province during the specified period.
The notification also bans carrying or displaying weapons at public places. Restrictions have further been placed on encouraging, provoking or mobilising people to participate in unlawful gatherings.
However, the restrictions will not apply to certain activities and locations. Weddings, funeral prayers, burials, mosques and other places of worship have been exempted from the ban. Courts and government offices will also remain exempt, while events held with formal permission from the relevant authorities will be allowed.
The Home Department said law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies and security personnel deployed on official duty would also remain outside the scope of the restrictions.
According to the department, the decision was taken after law enforcement and intelligence agencies reported immediate security threats. Intelligence reports indicated concerns that terrorist organisations could target public gatherings as part of possible attack plans.
The Home Department said large public gatherings could provide relatively easy targets for terrorist attacks, increasing the risk to the lives and safety of citizens.
The provincial government has therefore imposed Section 144 as a precautionary security measure aimed at preventing potential terrorist incidents and protecting public life and property.
Authorities have directed the relevant departments and law enforcement agencies to ensure implementation of the restrictions across Punjab until October 15.