Punjab government bans public gatherings amid crackdown on TLP

Authorities enforce Section 144 to prevent any untoward incident taking place

TLP protesters taking to the streets during the Faizabad dharna last year in the federal capital which brought the city to a standstill. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE

RAWALPINDI:
A day after Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi among other party leaders and workers was arrested in a countrywide crackdown against his party, the Punjab government has barred all public gatherings till December 1.

According to an official notification issued on Saturday, Section 144 has been enforced to prevent any untoward incident taking place in the province.

Punjab Additional Chief Secretary Fazeel Asghar said the decision was taken in view of the sensitivity of the current situation.

"Any political rally or protest could be used as soft target for a terrorist attack," he added.

Khadim Rizvi among TLP leaders detained in countrywide crackdown


The law states that more than five people are proscribed from gathering at a public place.

The public display of weapons, holding of rallies and protests, the use of loud speakers will not be allowed across the province till December 1.

Moreover, any speeches which incite violence in any way are also proscribed.

Local authorities have been told to ensure the enforcement of the order.

On Friday, Rizvi was arrested by police in a raid on his residence in Lahore.

The arrest was a part of a crackdown against the party’s activists and leaders in all major cities of the country.
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