Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired a second extraordinary meeting on law and order in Lahore, where the provincial government approved a comprehensive action plan to tighten the noose around those inciting violence, spreading chaos, or challenging state authority under the guise of protest.
The meeting emphasized that the state’s target is not any religious party or belief, but rather those seeking to create bloodshed, division, or unrest.
“Those who challenge the writ of the state or promote anarchy will be dealt with an iron hand,” the chief minister declared.
Provocative online content to be prosecuted under PECA
The Punjab government decided to register a case under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) against the founder of PTI, Imran Khan, for allegedly posting provocative and false statements on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
Officials said such incitement to violence and misinformation on social media platforms would not be tolerated, and similar actions will be taken against all violators spreading hatred or falsehoods online.
Terrorism charges for hate speech and violent mobilization
In a landmark decision, the Punjab government announced that cases under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) will be registered against individuals or groups using mosques, schools, or public forums to promote hatred, extremism, or violence.
The statement also warned that those who attempt to indoctrinate children with extremist ideas or plant seeds of violence in young minds will face charges under terrorism laws.
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“No one will be allowed to misuse sacred platforms for incitement or hate,” the statement said, reaffirming the province’s zero-tolerance policy toward extremism.
Ban on weapons and petrol bombs during protests
The meeting approved a complete ban on the use of nailed sticks, petrol bombs, and weapons during any form of protest or demonstration.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed security forces to take immediate action against anyone violating protest guidelines or resorting to violence, stating that Section 144 remains in force across Punjab. The Punjab government will also take immediate action against the violation of the loudspeaker law.
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“Lawful protest is a constitutional right, but violence, vandalism, and threats to public safety will not be tolerated,” said the chief minister. "Cases will be registered under the Terrorism Act for violation of Section 144 across Punjab."
Strict measures against extremist facilitators
The Punjab government also decided to launch an extensive crackdown on facilitators and supporters of extremist groups, declaring that the Anti-Terrorism Act would be applicable to anyone forcibly closing markets, shops, or public transport in the name of protest.
Authorities announced a complete ban on illegal activities of extremist organizations, with security agencies granted powers to take immediate action against any violations.
“Those who aid, fund, or protect extremist networks will face the strictest legal consequences,” the official statement said.
Ensuring state writ and public safety
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reiterated that ensuring the rule of law is the government’s top priority and that no individual or group will be allowed to hold the state hostage.
She emphasized that law enforcement agencies have been empowered to take all necessary actions to restore peace and stability across the province.
“Punjab will not tolerate anarchy. The government stands firm to protect every citizen and uphold the Constitution,” she concluded.
In an earlier extraordinary meeting on law and order on Thursday, the provincial government took a series of major decisions aimed at enforcing the state’s writ and strengthening law enforcement across Punjab.
The meeting focused on tackling extremism, regulating illegal residents, and implementing stricter controls on illegal weapons. Officials described the measures as “historic decisions” designed to establish rule of law and restore public confidence in state institutions.
Ban recommended on extremist party
One of the central outcomes of the meeting was the decision to recommend a federal ban on an extremist party accused of inciting violence and hatred. The Punjab government resolved to formally request the federal government to outlaw the group under anti-terrorism laws.
It was also decided that the leadership of the extremist party will be included in the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act — a move that subjects individuals to strict surveillance and travel restrictions. The meeting further directed that all properties and assets of the banned organization be transferred to the Auqaf Department.
Additionally, authorities ordered an immediate ban on the party’s posters, banners, advertisements, and social media accounts, to prevent the spread of extremist propaganda.
Immediate action against hate and lawbreaking
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed security agencies to arrest individuals involved in incitement, hate speech, and lawbreaking without delay.
Cases will be registered against involved leaders and workers under terrorism laws, and they will be tried in anti-terrorism courts. The CM emphasized that the government “will not allow any group to challenge the writ of the state.”
