Punjab imposed Section 144 and banned pillion riding during Muharram

The Punjab government banned pillion riding and imposed Section 144 during Muharram to maintain law and order in the province. This move will eliminate possible threats to public chaos and maintain sectarian harmony.

The Punjab Home Department issued a notice stating that Section 144 would be in effect for the first ten days of Muharram. This section gives authority to law enforcement officials to impose measures on public interest.

*Section 144 is imposed in Punjab due to Muharram*

It includes temporary restrictions on certain activities of citizens. According to the notice, the spreading of sectarian materials, the carrying of weapons, hate speech, and innovations at processions would all be forbidden.

It also stated it is illegal for viewers to set up firing bays on rooftops along the procession routes. It also prohibits people from throwing bottles, stones, or other objects at worshippers.

Moreover, pillion riding would also be banned from Muharram 7 to 10, except for old people, women, and law enforcement. Pillion riding means bike passengers other than bike riders.

*Only one bike rider will be able to travel under Section 144*

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Punjab Home Department imposed Section 144 while issuing this order today and sent it to the interior ministry. Before this, it also sent another letter to the Interior Ministry reading the social media ban. It demanded the suspension of six social media platforms in a letter for approximately a week during Muharram.

It recommended a ban for apps including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter X, and TikTok to stop the spreading of misinformation, hate speech, and sectarian violence on social media.

The Punjab government suggested the suspension of these apps from Muharram 6 to 11 to run the sectarian activities of Shias peacefully. However, this ban is still, in the consideration phase, as the federal government will decide to ban social media apps.