- CM Maryam Nawaz chairs key law and order meeting, vows to deal with rioters ‘with iron hands’
- Clarifies state action targets mischief-makers, not any religious group or belief, saying terrorism charges to apply for hate speech from mosque pulpits and madrassa platforms
LAHORE: The Punjab government on Thursday decided to register a case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) against PTI founder Imran Khan over his “provocative and false statement” on X (formerly Twitter) about “400 bodies,” reiterating that the state’s actions were directed only against “rioters and mischief-mongers,” not any religious group or belief.
The decision was taken at the second extraordinary meeting on law and order chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Lahore, according to a statement issued by the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR).
The meeting decided to further tighten the government’s measures against those involved in inciting violence, spreading chaos, or challenging the writ of the state. It was resolved that such elements would be dealt with “iron hands.”
Reaffirming the provincial government’s stance, the meeting clarified that its operations targeted only those responsible for disturbing peace, not any faith-based organisation. It was agreed that terrorism cases would be registered against individuals using mosque pulpits or madrassa forums to promote hatred, chaos, or violence.
The participants decided that those undermining the sanctity of madrassas or spreading extremist ideologies among students would face prosecution under terrorism laws.
A complete ban was also imposed on the use of nailed sticks, petrol bombs, and all kinds of weapons during protests, while the authorities were directed to take immediate action against violations of the Punjab Loudspeaker Act. Section 144 remains in force across the province, and violations will be treated as offences under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
The Punjab government also approved strict action against facilitators and supporters of extremist outfits, declaring that the ATA would apply to those who forcibly close markets, shops, or public transport.
Cases under the PECA Act will also be registered against individuals spreading hateful or seditious content on social media, with a zero-tolerance policy announced for those promoting incitement or sedition online.
The meeting further imposed a complete ban on the illegal activities of extremist groups and empowered security agencies to take immediate action to ensure law and order across the province.
