Punjab imposes Section 144 after violent protests over Khamenei’s death
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The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province for seven days in view of emerging security conditions and credible threat alerts indicating potential risks to public peace and order.
In a notification issued by the Home Department, the provincial government banned all forms of public assemblies, gatherings, rallies, sit-ins, and processions involving four or more persons without prior permission from the relevant deputy commissioner.
The order, issued under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, will remain in force for seven days unless withdrawn earlier.
The Home Department said the decision was taken following reports from law enforcement and intelligence agencies about a serious and imminent threat to public safety. According to officials, the move is aimed at pre-empting possible terrorist activities and preventing any untoward incidents that could endanger lives and property.
Read: At least 10 killed in Karachi clashes during march towards US Consulate after Khamenei strike
The notification stated that multiple credible threat alerts had been received regarding possible terrorist activities by hostile groups allegedly seeking to target minorities or religious figures in order to incite sectarian unrest. It added that large gatherings, such as rallies, demonstrations, and public meetings, could present soft targets for such attacks.
Under the order, which has come into effect immediately, the carrying, display, or brandishing of all types of weapons — whether licensed or unlicensed — has also been banned in public places across the province. However, the restriction does not apply to personnel of law enforcement and security agencies performing official duties.
The ban on public gatherings does not extend to marriage ceremonies, funeral prayers, burial processions, official meetings in government or semi-government offices, or court proceedings.
Earlier in the day, protests broke out in Lahore over the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with demonstrators attempting to storm the United States Consulate and clashing with police.
According to police, protesters gathered outside the Lahore Press Club before moving towards the US Consulate to register their protest. Demonstrators climbed onto the main gate of the consulate and attempted to set it on fire, prompting law enforcement personnel to resort to tear gas shelling to disperse the crowd and prevent them from entering the premises.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz called for peace and restraint as protests continue across the province.
I have directed the police and the administration to be sensitive to the grief of the peoples and treat the protesters with compassion, dignity and respect. Arrangements are being made for Iftar for the protesters.
We are all grieving and in a state of mourning, but it is also… https://t.co/ExMjpoj8NlIn a post on X, she directed the police and provincial administration to be sensitive to the grief of the people and to treat demonstrators with compassion, dignity, and respect. She added that arrangements were being made to provide Iftar for those participating in the protests.
The chief minister acknowledged the sorrow shared by citizens over recent developments but stressed that maintaining law and order remained a foremost duty. “We are all grieving and in a state of mourning, but it is also our foremost duty to maintain peace and order in our country and our cities. Please uphold this responsibility,” she wrote.