Punjab imposes Section 144 amid PTI protest plan

The Punjab Home Department has imposed Section 144 across the province "to maintain law and order" ahead of the arrival of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who is scheduled to announce the PTI protest plan in Lahore today (Monday). According to a notification, the PML-N provincial government has imposed a complete ban on gatherings, processions or assemblies of five or more people at public places, roads, highways and open spaces. It has also prohibited carrying, displaying or brandishing all kinds of weapons at public places. Similarly, inciting or encouraging people to participate in unlawful assemblies has been banned. A spokesperson for the department clarified that the restrictions imposed under Section 144 will not apply to marriage ceremonies, funeral prayers, burials, or prayers at mosques and other places of worship. Courts, government institutions and events held with due official permission will also remain exempt from the restrictions. The restrictions will not apply to personnel of law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies and security agencies while performing official duties. According to the notification, Section 144 will remain in force across Punjab from September 13 to September 17. The notification states that Section 144 has been imposed in view of serious threats to public peace, tranquility, and the safety of life and property across the province. "Law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies have reported imminent security threats, while intelligence reports indicate that terrorist organisations are planning to target public gatherings. "In view of these threats, there is a possibility that large gatherings at rallies, public meetings, sit-ins, processions and demonstrations could become easy targets for terrorist attacks. "Law enforcement agencies had requested immediate preventive measures to address potential terrorist threats and facilitate effective maintenance of law and order. "In this context, the Secretary Home, exercising powers under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, has imposed an immediate ban on public gatherings across the province," it said. The spokesperson said that protecting the lives and property of the people remains the foremost priority of the Government of Punjab. The order came amid heightened political activity in Punjab. The province is also set to witness a mobilisation drive by the PTI ahead of its planned Sept 27 protest and long march. K-P CM Afridi is scheduled to begin his Punjab tour on Sept 13 from Daud Khel and travel through Mianwali, Wan Bachran, Quaidabad, Khushab and Sargodha before proceeding through Lalian and Chiniot to Faisalabad, where he will stay overnight. The PTI has also accused the government of launching a crackdown against its activists. According to the party, 54 workers from six districts of southern Punjab have been arrested. The list includes three workers from Dera Ghazi Khan, eight from Rajanpur, five from Vehari, 10 from Layyah, 18 from Multan and 10 from Khanewal.