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- July 6, 2024
- Kainat Shakeel
- 0
Section 144 was implemented by the Punjab government on Saturday during Muharram in the province due to “possible threats to public tranquility, sectarian harmony, and general law and order situation.”
An order from the Home Department stated that Section 144 would be in effect for the first ten days of Muharram. The legislation allows authorities to impose measures for the public good, including temporary prohibitions on certain activities.
It declared that the distribution of sectarian materials, the carrying of weapons, hate speech, and “innovations at processions” would all be forbidden. The ruling stated that to stop individuals from perhaps hurling bottles, rocks, or other objects at worshippers, it would be illegal for viewers to set up “firing bays” on rooftops along the procession routes.
In addition, pillion riding would be prohibited from Muharram 7–10, except for elderly people, women, and law enforcement. The directive was issued today, one day after the Punjab government commandeered 150 Pakistan Army and Rangers units to keep the province peace and order during Muharram. For this reason, an official letter was sent to the interior ministry.
In a letter earlier this week, the provincial government also requested that six social media sites be blocked for around a week during Muharram. Though Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would ultimately decide on this matter, a statement released by the interior ministry on Friday stated that no decision had been made about the request for an internet shutdown.