Web Desk: Punjab authorities have imposed a five-day province-wide restriction on public gatherings, citing what officials described as credible and imminent terrorism threats. The move comes ahead of a planned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest march to Islamabad later this month.
The Punjab Home Department issued an order imposing an immediate ban on assemblies, processions and gatherings involving five or more people in public places across the province.
According to the notification, the decision followed threat reports from law enforcement and intelligence agencies warning of possible attacks by terrorist organisations and hostile intelligence agencies.
Officials said the alerts pointed to potential use of suicide bombers, vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and targeted killings during large gatherings.
The government said such attacks could cause casualties, damage property and critical infrastructure, while also triggering unrest and disrupting public order.
The order cited rallies, demonstrations, sit-ins, processions and other large public events as potential targets for attacks.
Authorities also warned that some groups could organise activities likely to draw large crowds, creating opportunities for hostile actors to exploit gatherings.
The Punjab government said the restrictions were introduced after requests from the provincial police chief, the Counter-Terrorism Department, the Special Branch and divisional and district administrations.
Officials said the measures were intended to strengthen preventive security and maintain law and order across the province.
Under the order, gatherings of five or more people are prohibited in public places, including streets, roads, highways and open spaces.
The restrictions also prohibit encouraging people to participate in unlawful assemblies.
In addition, authorities have banned the carrying, displaying or brandishing of weapons in public places.
However, the order provides exemptions for several activities. These include marriage ceremonies, funeral prayers, burial processions and prayers at mosques, churches and other places of worship.
Official duties performed by government and semi-government organisations, court proceedings and events authorised by the relevant deputy commissioner are also exempt.
The weapons restriction does not apply to law enforcement, intelligence and security personnel while performing official duties.
The order was issued under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and will remain effective for five days unless the government modifies or withdraws it earlier.
The restrictions come ahead of PTI’s planned Sept. 27 long march to Islamabad.
PTI has said it intends to mobilise supporters from across Pakistan for the demonstration, which the party says will seek the release of its jailed founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.
Senior PTI leader and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has also been campaigning for support for the planned protest, including during his recent visit to Sindh.
Khan has remained in prison since August 2023 and has been convicted or charged in several cases, including those involving corruption, state secrets and marriage-related allegations.
Khan and PTI have rejected the allegations and maintained that the cases are politically motivated and aimed at preventing him from returning to active politics.
PTI’s previous demonstrations in 2023 and 2024 were accompanied by clashes with law enforcement, some of which resulted in deaths.
The government has accused the party of encouraging supporters to engage in violence against security personnel, a charge PTI denies.
The party has repeatedly said its planned Sept. 27 march will remain peaceful.
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