Lahore administration on Sunday banned exhibition of weapons in public gatherings after they imposed Section 144 of the Pakistan Penal Code in the city on the orders of the provincial government.
The section, which bans exhibition of weapons at public gatherings with imprisonment or with fine, or both, has been imposed in the city for 15 days.
Orders were issued by the provincial assembly in the light of the political crisis in Islamabad.
Section 144, issued by the Administrator Lahore Captain (r) Muhammad Usman Younis, banned use of or display of weapons, batons, slingshots, ball bearings, petrol bombs, improvised explosives, or any device that could cause death or destruction in public gatherings.
Possession of gas masks and riot gear or attempting to hinder traffic has also been banned. Collection of people giving an impression of an organized force capable of launching an assault on the Punjab Police or public property would also not be allowed.
The section has also been imposed on using women and children as human shields by their respective leaders.
Section 144 would be valid from August 31 to September 14.
Police officials say they will wait for instructions from the provincial government before making any arrests.
They said Section 144 was imposed to exercise power to arrest groups on suspicions of inciting violence. They said it did not mean that PTI workers would be stopped from public gathering.
Security of public buildings has been heightened and containers have been placed on entrance of Governor’s House.
Many containers were also seen around Model Town H to secure residence of the Sharif family.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 1st, 2014.
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