LAHORE: The Punjab government has moved to tighten its grip on extremist elements, deciding to recommend a federal ban on a group accused of promoting violence and disrupting public order.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting on security and public safety chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, according to an official statement issued after the session.
The statement said the Punjab government would urge the federal government to ban the extremist group and place its leadership on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
It was further decided that those involved in the killing of police officers, destruction of public property, or acts of violence will be tried in anti-terrorism courts. The group’s properties and assets will be handed over to the Auqaf Department, while its posters, banners, and advertisements will be completely banned.
The meeting also approved measures to shut down the extremist group’s social media accounts spreading hate and to freeze all its bank accounts. Strict action will be taken for violations of the Loudspeaker Act, the statement added.
In addition, the Home Department Punjab has issued a one-month ultimatum for citizens to surrender illegal weapons, directing them to register their licensed arms at Khidmat Centers within the same period.
Authorities have also ordered inspections of arms dealers’ stocks and imposed a complete ban on the issuance of new weapon licenses. The Punjab government will recommend that the federal government regularize arms factories and manufacturers.
Furthermore, the provincial cabinet has approved stricter penalties for possessing illegal weapons, declaring it a non-bailable offense. Offenders will face up to 14 years in prison and a fine of Rs2 million, according to the statement.