Punjab

Section 144 imposed across province

Govt bans display of arms, aerial firing

Our Correspondent January 25, 2024

LAHORE:

In response to security threats and concerns regarding the law and order situation during election campaigns, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province.

The government's directive includes a ban on the display and carrying of illegal weapons, even those with licenses, with an exception for law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, the practice of aerial firing has been strictly prohibited. A notification issued by the Punjab Home Secretary highlighted the upcoming General Elections scheduled for February 8.

The notification emphasised the potential threats to law and order, public peace, and security during the election period.

Given the extensive political gatherings, rallies, and meetings expected across the province, concerns were raised about these events becoming vulnerable targets for potential acts of terrorism and mischief by miscreants.

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The notification stated, "Besides, given the past history possibility of clashes between contesting candidates and rival political parties, areas in different ones, cannot be ruled out which may pose threats to public peace and order in the province."

Following the imposition of the ban, the Sattokatla police arrested five individuals for carrying illegal weapons and displaying them during an election campaign on a Vigo vehicle.

The police confiscated two rifles, bullets, handguns, and two bottles of liquor from their possession, registering a case against them.

In a separate incident, PTI leader Hammad Azhar, a proclaimed offender in FIRs dated May 9th, managed to evade arrest during a police operation.

According to reports, a police team conducted a raid at a residence in Jaffria Colony based on a tip-off. Upon seeing the police, two individuals present at the scene created a disturbance, alerting Azhar, who fled the location to avoid arrest.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 25^th, 2024.