Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar has ordered a province-wide security boost, directing all police formations to strengthen safety measures at mosques, imambargahs, shrines, markets, and other sensitive locations.
The directive comes amid a broader push to maintain law and order and ensure the protection of citizens’ lives, property, and belongings across Punjab.
Enhanced patrolling and field presence ordered
The IGP emphasized that patrolling should be intensified around religious sites, business centres, and highways to prevent any untoward incidents.
He instructed that senior police officers, including district police officers (DPOs), must remain present in the field and personally review the security arrangements to ensure effective implementation.
Also Read: Section 144 enforced across Punjab until Oct 18
“Establishing law and order and ensuring the safety of every citizen remains the top priority of Punjab Police,” Dr. Anwar said, urging officials to maintain a visible presence and active coordination across districts.
Strict implementation of Section 144
Reiterating the importance of discipline and legal compliance, the IGP directed all officers to ensure the strict implementation of Section 144 across Punjab.
He warned that no one should be allowed to take the law into their own hands, emphasizing zero tolerance for any violations that could disrupt peace or public safety.
On Thursday, the Punjab government enforced Section 144 across the province, effective until October 18 (Saturday), due to concerns over terrorism and threats to public order.
The imposition includes a complete ban on protests, public meetings, processions, rallies and sit-ins. Public gatherings of four or more individuals in open spaces are strictly prohibited. The use of loudspeakers and public display of weapons has also been banned.
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A total prohibition has been placed on the publication and distribution of inflammatory, hateful or sectarian material throughout the province.
According to the official notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, the decision has been taken to safeguard public life and property, and to ensure peace and order. The restrictions, however, do not apply to weddings, funeral prayers or burials. Government officers and officials on duty are exempted from the ban.
Loudspeakers may only be used for the Azan and Friday sermons.
The Home Department has underlined the security threat posed by public processions and sit-ins, which may be exploited by terrorist elements. According to the department, anti-state actors may attempt to use such gatherings to advance hostile activities.
The department has directed wide public dissemination of the order to ensure awareness among the population.
