Punjab bans public gatherings, protests after 'terrorism threat'

LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department on Thursday imposed Section 144, banning public rallies, sit-ins and protests across the province citing "terrorism threat".

A notification was issued by the province’s home department in this regard, banning public events for three days from July 26 to 28.

The order read that the ban was placed to maintain law and order and protection of citizens' lives and properties. It added that any kind of public gathering could be a soft target of terrorists.

The home department ordered the local authorities to ensure full implementation of the order.

The provincial government had enforced the same restrictions under Section 144 for seven days, — from July 21 to 27 — earlier this week due to security concerns.

The Home Department said in its order that due to the current situation of public order and security threats in the province, any public gathering of people can be a soft target of terrorists and miscreants, which can be a serious threat to law and order.