Elections 2024: Punjab govt enforces Section 144 across Punjab

Lahore: The Punjab Home Department on Tuesday implemented Section 144 across the province in anticipation of the 2024 general elections.

The authorities took the decision, citing potential threats to public peace and the law and order situation.

In an official notification, the Home Department highlighted the risk associated with public gatherings, rallies, and corner meetings. It said that they could become “soft targets for any desperate act by terrorists and miscreants”  in connection with the upcoming elections.

According to the notification, there is also possibility of clashes between contesting candidates and rival political parties or groups.

The home department emphasized the potential threats to public peace and order based on historical events.

Given the perceived security threats, the Home Department has imposed Section 144 until February 12, introducing restrictions on the following activities throughout Punjab including carrying and displaying all kinds of weapons, including licensed ones, all types of firing,  violation of any clause of the Code of Conduct issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP.

The notification stressed the need for “extraordinary vigilance and extensive security measures to pre-empt any untoward incident” in the prevailing security environment.

Earlier today, a similar ban on public rallies and corner meetings was imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Tank district due to concerns about the law and order situation. The ban, enforced for 21 days, requires political parties to obtain prior permission from the district administration to ensure the security of public gatherings.