Section 144 imposes during Muharram to ensure peace, security

ATTOCK, Jun 17 (APP):The district administration has imposed Section 144 across Attock from 1st Muharram to 10th Muharram-ul-Haram to maintain law and order, promote religious harmony and ensure the safety of citizens during the holy month.

According to an official notification issued by the district administration here on Wednesday, comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place throughout the district. A spokesperson for the district administration and Attock Police said that law enforcement agencies remained on high alert and were fully prepared to deal with any untoward situation.

Under Section 144, the establishment of bunkers along procession routes had been strictly prohibited. The notification also banned the setting up of any private security posts or fortified positions on the rooftops of houses and buildings located along the routes of mourning processions and religious gatherings.

The spokesperson said that unauthorized or temporary security checkpoints on procession routes would not be allowed, while the placement of any illegal obstacles by individuals along the routes has also been prohibited.

The order further imposed a complete ban on the display of licensed and unlicensed weapons, aerial firing and carrying explosive materials anywhere in the district during Muharram. Strict action would also be taken against the misuse of loudspeakers, hate speech, sectarian material and the dissemination of content on social media that could disturb public peace or incite religious hatred.

According to the notification, pillion riding on motorcycles would remain banned across the district on 9th and 10th Muharram. However, women, elderly citizens, children and personnel of law enforcement agencies have been exempted from the restriction.

The district administration and police authorities have appealed to citizens, peace committee members and religious scholars to cooperate with security institutions in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere during Muharram. They warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found violating the code of conduct or provisions of Section 144.