Punjab govt pursues ban on 'extremist' group

Home dept gives one-month ultimatum to surrender illegal arms

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has decided to request the federal government to impose a ban on an 'extremist outfit'.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a meeting on law and order where she was informed during a briefing that those involved in hate speech, inciting violence and lawlessness in the province would be arrested immediately. She was informed that cases against leaders and workers involved in martyrdom of police officers and destruction of public property would be tried in anti-terrorism courts (ATCs).

The leadership of the outfit will be placed in Schedule-4 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, besides handover of their assets to the Auqaf department.

Officials said a ban would be imposed on the group's posters, banners and advertisements, while its social media accounts spreading hatred would be blocked and all its bank accounts would be frozen.

It was decided that stern action would be taken against any violation of the Loudspeaker Act.

The chief minister was informed that the Punjab government would compile real-time data of illegal Afghan nationals.

She directed the relevant authorities to carry out a combing operation against illegal residents and their businesses across the province.

She directed the authorities concerned to ensure immediate recovery of all illegal weapons across Punjab.

The home department issued a one-month ultimatum for the citizens to surrender illegal arms and get their licensed weapons registered through Khidmat Centres.

The chief minister ordered inspection of all weapon dealers' stocks and a ban on the issuance of new arms licences in the province. She directed the responsible authorities to recommend to the federal government to regularise arms factories and manufacturers.

She also approved stern punishment for possessing illegal weapons of up to 14 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs2 million, making it a non-bailable offence.