Section 144 imposed in Punjab ahead of Feb 8 elections
Pakistan
Section 144 imposed in Punjab ahead of Feb 8 elections
LAHORE (Dunya News) – The Punjab Home Department on Tuesday imposed Section 144 throughout the province, citing potential threats to the law and order situation and public peace ahead of the general elections slated to be held on Feb 8.
According to the notification, the Punjab Home Department highlighted the risk associated with a significant number of public gatherings, rallies, and corner meetings related to the upcoming elections, potentially becoming vulnerable targets for desperate acts by terrorists and miscreants.
The notification pointed out the historical context, stating that clashes between contesting candidates and rival political parties/groups in different areas could not be ruled out, posing threats to public peace and order in the province.
Considering the security concerns, the department imposed Section 144 until Feb 12, prohibiting the following actions across Punjab:
Carrying and displaying all types of weapons, including licensed ones.
All forms of firing.
Violation of any clause of the Code of Conduct issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Earlier in the day, public rallies and corner meetings ahead of the elections were banned in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Tank district due to law and order situation.
