RAWALPINDI, Nov 25: The Punjab government has banned the entry of 17 clerics, belonging to different religious schools of thought, in Rawalpindi district during Muharram and also prohibited 41 others from delivering speeches, Dawn has learnt.

Among those facing entry ban was also a member of Punjab provincial assembly (MPA) elected from Chiniot who belonged to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N. Carrying and display of weapons, wall-chalking and distribution of hatred material had already been banned under section 144 during Muharram. The ban would start from Muharram 1, and would continue for the whole month under 5MPO.

Commissioner Rawalpindi division Zahid Saeed when contacted confirmed the ban.