LAHORE: The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province from Muharram 1 to 10, banning seven conditions, including ban on pillion riding.

The Punjab government has banned pillion riding except for senior citizens/ladies, Rescue 1122 and personnel of law-enforcement agencies for two Ashura days on Muharram 9 and 10.

The Section 144 has prohibited innovations in processions/majalis; carrying of bamboo sticks (batons), knives, daggers, spears and any other article that may be used as a weapon of offence as well as carrying of combustible material at public places except where permitted by a competent authority. The government has banned raising of slogans and making visible signs or representation that may incite public sentiments or directly or indirectly hit the belief of any sect, community or group.

It has prohibited dissemination of information through any information system or device or media, including social/digital media, with the intent to incite sectarian hatred or use of abusive or derogatory remarks that provoke or likely to provoke interfaith, sectarian or racial hatred. It has prohibited construction of firing bays (Morchas) on rooftops of houses or any other building situated on the procession routes and collection of stones, bricks, bottles/ rubbish etc. on routes.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2026