Ban on weapons display, fireworks, and provocative material
The Punjab government has announced that Section 144 will remain in force throughout the province during Muharram-ul-Haram to ensure law and order and prevent sectarian tensions.
Effective from the 1st to the 10th of Muharram, the order bans the display of weapons, use of fireworks, and any material that could provoke sectarian or religious discord without official permission, Express News reported.
Double riding on motorcycles will be prohibited on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, with exceptions for women, senior citizens, and law enforcement personnel.
Officials have also made it clear that no new processions will be allowed, nor will changes in the routes of traditional Majalis be permitted. The ban extends to speeches or content promoting sectarian or ethnic hatred, including material shared through devices or on social media.
Additionally, residents along procession routes are barred from erecting temporary structures, or gathering stones, bottles, or debris on rooftops. Watching processions from rooftops or shop ledges will also be restricted.
Apart from the double riding ban, all other measures will apply throughout the first ten days of Muharram.
Security arrangements have been heightened, particularly in Lahore. The Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit are on high alert to ensure safety during Muharram events.
In a recent operation on Multan Road, the Dolphin Force intercepted a black-tinted vehicle and seized two rifles, three pistols, magazines, and dozens of bullets, arresting five suspects. The individuals — Kashif Ali, Muhammad Rahat, Azeem Anwar, Muhammad Mansab, and Basharat Ali — were handed over to Chuhang police for further action.
The government has already rolled out a detailed Muharram security plan, including digital surveillance, inter-agency coordination, and structural safety checks to facilitate peaceful observances.
According to the Home Department, Muharram is expected to begin on June 26 or 27, depending on moon sighting. A digital portal has been launched to track Majalis, processions, and sensitive locations, with deputy commissioners directed to upload data within five days. The system will be overseen by Kamran Taj of the Home Department’s MIS wing.
To strengthen security, the deployment of Pakistan Army and Punjab Rangers has been requested, along with mobile signal jamming in designated high-risk areas. The government has also directed that non-Shia religious gatherings must remain physically separate from Shia events to prevent potential clashes.
