The Punjab government has decided to recommend a federal ban on an extremist group involved in hate speech, incitement, and violent activities, as part of a broader crackdown on extremism and lawlessness across the province.
The decision was taken during a high-level law and order meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, according to an official statement issued after the session.
The meeting resolved that individuals involved in spreading hatred, inciting violence, or violating the law will be immediately arrested. The Punjab government will recommend to the federal government to ban the extremist group and to include its leadership in the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
According to the statement, those responsible for the killing of police officers and destruction of public property will face prosecution. The group’s assets and properties will be seized by the Auqaf Department, while its posters, banners, and advertisements will be completely prohibited.
The government also announced that the group’s social media accounts will be shut down, and its bank accounts frozen. Strict action will be taken against violations of the Loudspeaker Act, the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Home Department has issued a one-month ultimatum for citizens to surrender illegal weapons, directing that all licensed weapons be registered through Khidmat Centres within the same period.
Authorities will also inspect arms dealers’ stock, while the issuance of new weapon licenses has been completely suspended.
The provincial government has also recommended that the federal government regularize arms factories and manufacturers, while approving harsher punishments for illegal arms possession.
Under the new directives, possession of illegal weapons will now be a non-bailable offence, carrying up to 14 years imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs2 million.
