Punjab imposes Section 144 ban on public gatherings amid terror threat alerts

Facing what it described as credible reports of an imminent terrorist plot, the Punjab government enacted a ban on public gatherings of five or more people until September 17 under Section 144 of the CrPC. The Home Department said intelligence and law-enforcement agencies warned of suicide bombers, vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and targeted killings aimed at large crowds to create chaos. Consequently, processions, rallies and similar assemblies on roads, highways and open areas are prohibited, though exceptions apply for marriages, funerals, worship, courts and official state events.

Carrying or brandishing weapons in public is also banned, except for security personnel on duty. The restriction follows appeals from the Punjab police chief, the Counter-Terrorism Department, the Special Branch and district officials for immediate preventive measures. Meanwhile, Jamaat-i-Islami continues sit-ins against the petroleum levy in several cities and has warned of a march toward Islamabad on September 20 if the levy is not withdrawn.