Section 144 to remain in place across Punjab during Muharram

The Punjab government has decided to enforce Section 144 across the province in view of Muharram-ul-Haram, as part of efforts to maintain law and order and prevent sectarian unrest.

The ban will be in effect from the 1st to the 10th of Muharram and will prohibit the display of weapons, fireworks, and any material likely to incite sectarian or religious tensions in public spaces without prior permission from authorities, Express News reported.

Double riding will be banned on Muharram 9 and 10, though senior citizens, women, and law enforcement personnel will be exempt from this restriction.

Authorities have clarified that no new processions or changes in traditional Majalis routes will be permitted. Public statements or content that promote sectarian or ethnic hatred, whether through devices or social media platforms, are also banned under the order.

Read: Strict Muharram security promised

Additionally, residents are prohibited from building structures such as posts or collecting stones, bottles, or debris on rooftops along procession routes. Spectators will not be allowed to gather on rooftops or shop ledges during the processions.

Apart from the double riding ban, all other restrictions will remain effective throughout the first ten days of Muharram.

Meanwhile, security has been ramped up in the provincial capital. The Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit have been placed on high alert to ensure safety during Muharram activities.

In a recent operation, Dolphin Force recovered firearms from a suspicious black-tinted vehicle on Multan Road, arresting five suspects.

Recovered items included two rifles, three pistols, dozens of bullets, and magazines.

According to SP Dolphin Arslan Zahid, the suspects—Kashif Ali, Muhammad Rahat, Azeem Anwar, Muhammad Mansab, and Basharat Ali—have been handed over to the Chuhang police station for further legal proceedings.

Previously, the Punjab government has rolled out a comprehensive security plan for Muharram, incorporating digital surveillance, inter-agency coordination, and infrastructure safety measures to ensure peaceful religious observances across the province.

According to the Home Department, Muharram is likely to begin on June 26 or 27, subject to moon sighting. A digital portal has been activated to monitor majalis, procession routes, and sensitive sites, with deputy commissioners instructed to upload relevant data within five days. The system will be managed by Kamran Taj from the Home Department's MIS section.

To bolster security, the department has formally requested the deployment of Pakistan Army and Punjab Rangers, asking for location and duration details within a week. The request also includes mobile signal jamming in specific high-risk zones.

To prevent sectarian unrest, the government has directed that non-Shia religious gatherings remain physically separate from Shia events.