Gatherings of more than five people, processions, rallies and the display of weapons have been banned.
LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 25th Jul, 2026) The Punjab Home Department has imposed Section 144 across the province from September 13 to 17 and issued a formal notification.
According to the government orders, the gathering of five or more people at public places, highways and open spaces in all districts of Punjab, as well as processions, public meetings and all forms of protest gatherings, will remain completely prohibited during this period.
Citizens have also been strictly barred from carrying or displaying any kind of arms or weapons at public places.
The Punjab Home Department said that organizing an illegal gathering, inciting or encouraging people to participate in one, or funding such activities would also be completely prohibited.
However, keeping public convenience and religious traditions in view, the restrictions will not apply to wedding ceremonies, funeral prayers, burial rites, or regular worship activities at mosques and other places of worship.
Court proceedings, the routine operations of government offices and institutions, and official or social events held with prior formal permission will also remain exempt from the restrictions.
Law-enforcement agencies, police and security personnel deployed on duty will be fully permitted to carry and move weapons for security purposes.
Government officials said the strict emergency measures had been taken in view of serious security threats to public peace, tranquility and citizens’ lives in the region.
Recent reports submitted to the government by law-enforcement agencies and disclosures by intelligence agencies indicated that various proscribed terrorist organizations were planning acts of sabotage by targeting public gatherings and political and social rallies in the province.
It was reported that such large gatherings, sit-ins and demonstrations could pose a threat to citizens because of the presence of large numbers of people.
In view of these immediate law-and-order threats and acting on the recommendations of law-enforcement agencies, the Punjab home secretary exercised powers under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, and immediately imposed a five-day ban on all such gatherings and activities.
