Punjab Section 144 Imposed: Public Gatherings Banned for Five Days

Punjab – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – The Punjab government has enforced Punjab Section 144, placing a five-day ban on public gatherings across the province. Officials say the move comes after fresh warnings about possible terrorist attacks in crowded places.

The order was issued on Sunday by the Home Department. It will stay in force until Thursday, September 17.

According to the notification, security agencies passed on serious warnings about threats to public safety. These warnings pointed to militant groups and hostile intelligence networks planning attacks during large gatherings.

The alerts mention several possible methods of attack. These include suicide bombings, explosive-laden vehicles, and targeted killings aimed at causing panic and unrest.

Officials believe public rallies and demonstrations could become easy targets. There are also concerns that some groups may try to organize crowds specifically to create disorder.

The Punjab police chief, along with the Counter-Terrorism Department and Special Branch, pushed for urgent action. District administrations across the province backed the call for immediate safety measures.

Under the new rules, any gathering of five or more people is banned. This applies to public roads, open areas, and highways from September 13 to September 17.

Not every activity falls under this ban. Weddings, funeral prayers, and religious gatherings at mosques and other worship places are allowed to continue as normal.

ترجمان محکمہ داخلہ پنجاب
لاہور 13 ستمبر:
پنجاب بھر میں دفعہ 144 کا نفاذ

پنجاب بھر میں عوامی مقامات، شاہراہوں یا کھلی جگہ پر 5 یا زائد افراد کے اجتماع، جلوس یا اکٹھ پر مکمل پابندی عائد

عوامی مقامات پر ہر قسم کے ہتھیار لے جانے اور ان کی نمائش پر بھی مکمل پابندی عائد

غیر قانونی… pic.twitter.com/p0HLatVE5u

— Home Department Punjab (@homedptpunjab) September 13, 2026

Court hearings and official government functions are also exempt. Life for most people should continue without major disruption, except for large public events.

The Home Department has also banned anyone from encouraging others to join unlawful gatherings. This is meant to stop organized efforts to bypass the restrictions.

Alongside the gathering ban, authorities have restricted the public display of weapons. Carrying or showing firearms openly in public spaces is now prohibited during this period.

This weapons rule does not apply to police, intelligence staff, or security forces on duty. They remain free to carry weapons while performing official work.

The timing of these restrictions reflects a wider security concern in Punjab. Authorities want to close off any opportunity for attackers to strike where people gather in large numbers.

Security forces are expected to increase patrolling in major cities during this period. Residents may notice a stronger police presence near markets, intersections, and public squares.

For now, officials are urging residents to stay alert and cooperate with local authorities. Avoiding unnecessary crowding in public places is being seen as a simple but effective precaution.

The situation will be reviewed once the current order expires on September 17. Further extensions are possible if security agencies continue to report credible threats.