Punjab Government Imposes Section 144 for Muharram to Maintain Peace
The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province from Muharram 1 to 10 to ensure public safety, peace, and religious harmony during the sacred month.
Section 144, a legal provision under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), empowers authorities to prohibit gatherings of four or more people in designated areas for a specific period.
According to an official order issued by the Punjab Home Department, the measure aims to prevent any disruption to public order and protect lives and property. The notification highlighted concerns over potential threats from extremists and antisocial elements that could disturb the religious and social harmony of the province.
Key Restrictions During Muharram
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Bans on Processions and Majalis Innovations: To maintain order, any unauthorized changes to Muharram processions and gatherings are prohibited during the first 10 days, expected to begin on June 27 or 28 in Pakistan.
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Prohibited Items: Carrying weapons such as bamboo sticks, knives, daggers, spears, and combustible materials in public places without proper permission is banned.
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Speech and Behavior Restrictions: Slogans, gestures, or remarks that may incite sectarian, religious, or communal tensions are forbidden. Similarly, sharing abusive or provocative content via any communication channel will be penalized.
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Public Safety Measures: Spectators are not allowed on rooftops or in front of shops along procession routes. Construction of firing platforms and accumulation of stones or debris on these routes are also banned.
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Pillion Riding Ban: On Muharram 9 and 10, pillion riding is prohibited except for women, senior citizens, and law enforcement officials.
Security and Administrative Measures
The Punjab Home Department is coordinating with district officials to deploy armed forces, including Pakistan Army and Rangers, as necessary to maintain law and order during Muharram.
Deputy commissioners across districts are tasked with preparing contingency plans, monitoring the use of loudspeakers, and identifying potentially inflammatory speakers to prevent misuse of public platforms.
In Rawalpindi, for instance, five army companies and six Ranger companies will support local administration. The district has also banned the entry of 169 religious figures and issued gag orders for 89 clerics during the Muharram period.
Social Media and Past Incidents
While the Punjab government requested the interior ministry to block social media apps from Muharram 6 to 11 to prevent sectarian violence, the ministry did not implement a complete ban. However, Facebook reportedly faced restrictions nationwide on Muharram 10, also known as Yaum-i-Ashura.
Security concerns are underscored by past attacks on Muharram processions, including a tragic bomb blast on Karachi’s MA Jinnah Road in December 2009 that claimed over 40 lives.
