The Punjab government on Wednesday imposed a ban on pillion riding across the province on 9th and 10th Muharram (June 25 and 26) to maintain law and order during Muharram processions and gatherings.
The Punjab Home Department issued a notification imposing Section 144 to prevent any disruption of public peace and tranquility and to ensure the safety and security of lives and property across the province.
According to the notification, there is a potential threat to public peace, religious harmony, and the overall law and order situation from miscreants, violent extremists, and anti-social elements. It stated that such elements may attempt to provoke religious sentiments by inciting sectarianism and violence during Muharram-ul-Haram 2026.
The Home Department has also banned the carrying of weapons in public places, raising slogans or displaying signs and representations that may incite public sentiments.
In addition, a ban has been imposed on the dissemination of information through social and digital media intended to promote sectarian hatred. The notification further prohibits the construction of morchas (fortified positions) on rooftops along procession routes, as well as sitting or standing on the roofs of houses and shops located on either side of the routes during processions.
However, the restrictions on pillion riding will not apply to women, children, senior citizens, journalists and law enforcement personnel in uniform. Police stations have been authorised to register complaints under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) against individuals found violating orders issued under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
Meanwhile, the Punjab Home Department has imposed Section 144 across the province from 1st to 10th Muharram (June 17-26) as part of comprehensive security arrangements for Muharram.
According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department, the restrictions will remain in force throughout the province and include seven categories of prohibitions aimed at maintaining law and order during the month.
Under the orders, no new processions or religious gatherings will be allowed apart from those already approved by the authorities. The public display of weapons and explosive materials at public places without permission from the competent authority has also been banned.
The notification further prohibits provocative slogans, gestures, statements, or comments that may incite public sentiments, religious beliefs, sectarianism, or ethnic hatred through any medium or device.
Authorities have also banned the construction of bunkers on rooftops of houses or buildings situated along procession routes. The accumulation of stones, bricks, bottles, or garbage on rooftops of buildings located on procession routes has likewise been prohibited.
In addition, spectators will not be allowed to gather on rooftops of buildings or on shop platforms situated along procession routes during processions.
The Home Department has also imposed a ban on pillion riding on 9th and 10th Muharram, except for senior citizens, women, and personnel of law enforcement agencies.
All other restrictions will remain effective from 1st to 10th Muharram, while the ban on pillion riding will apply specifically on 9th and 10th Muharram.
The department has issued a formal notification regarding the enforcement of Section 144 and directed authorities to ensure wide publicity of the orders for public awareness.