LAHORE: The Punjab government has imposed Section 144(6) across the province from Muharram 1 to 10 in the wake of potential threat to the public peace and tranquility, religious harmony and general law and order.

Under the Section 144(6), pillion riding is banned except for senior citizens/ladies, Rescue 1122 and personnel of law enforcement agencies on Muharram 9 and 10.

For Muharram 1 to 10, the home department has banned carrying of bamboo sticks (batons), knives, daggers, spears and any other article that may be used as a weapon of offence and carrying of combustible material at public places except where permitted by a competent authority.

The government has banned raising slogans and making visible signs or representation which might incite public sentiments or directly or indirectly hit the belief of any sect, community or group. Dissemination of information through any information system or device with the intent to incite sectarian hatred or use of abusive or derogatory remarks through any information system or device that provokes or is likely to provoke interfaith, sectarian or racial hatred has also been banned.

It says that construction of firing bays (Morchas) on rooftops of houses or any other building situated at the route of processions etc and collection of stones, bricks, bottles/ rubbish etc on procession routes are also prohibited.

Occupation (sitting or standing) on the roofs of the shops/houses situated on either side of the routes at the time of processions and bystanding on the planks in front of shops has also been prohibited.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2025