Section 144 imposed across Punjab for Muharram

Lahore: Punjab Home Department imposed Section 144 on Wednesday across the province during the first 10 days of the holy month of Muharram to maintain law and order situation.

In this context, the department also released a notification.

In order to protect security during religious observances, the notification lists a number of additional restrictions. During processions, it has also been made clear that using knives, swords, or sticks is prohibited.

Further, the authorities have also prohibited people from standing on the roofs of houses and companies around the procession routes in order to safeguard the security of locals and participants during Muharram processions.

Additionally, on the ninth and tenth of Muharram, pillion riding will be prohibited throughout the entire province.

Separately, yesterday, in order to maintain peace and security during the holy month of Muharram, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) implemented section 144 in Islamabad.

Earlier, The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee on Tuesday announced that the Muharram moon has not been sighted in Pakistan and Youm-e-Ashur — Muharram 10 — will be observed on July 29 (Saturday).

The committee announced that the beginning of Muharram will fall on Thursday, July 20, this year.

Chairman of the committee Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad chaired over the meeting for the sighting.

Maulana Azad stated that while zonal crescent sighting committee meetings were held in every province, no proof had been received from any region of the nation at the time of the announcement.

The Muharram moon sighting marked the beginning of preparations for mourning processions and majalis in remembrance of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A.), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and other martyrs of Karbala.

The federal and provincial governments chalk out special security plans to maintain law and order prior in Pakistan to the Youm-e-Ashure on 10th of Muharram.