The Home Department of Punjab has implemented Section 144 in all districts as a precaution measure to ensure public safety, hygiene and law and order during the festive season of Eid-ul-Azha. The restrictions by the Punjab Government are very important and will be enforced during May 27, 2026 to June 2, 2026. The general goal of this temporary executive order is to address public nuisance, manage hazardous environmental pollution, avoid traffic jams and facilitate the processing of waste in urban and rural tech hubs.
As one of the most populous provinces in Pakistan, it is essential to be aware of these provincial-level rules and regulations, irrespective of where you live, be it in Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, or any other city in the province, to help you enjoy a hassle-free festive season while avoiding strict legal action.
Complete List of Banned Activities Under Section 144
The provincial administration has designated certain practices that occur regularly throughout the season as high-risk behaviors, and has banned them outright:
It is strictly forbidden to set up open air bonfires on road sides or green belts or city squares to roast sacrificial animals’ heads and trotters (Siri Paye). The toxic smoke and strong smell leads to widespread discomfort in the respiratory system and results in heavy damage to public infrastructure.
Huge numbers of citizens are visiting canals, rivers, lakes, barrages and dams during the eid holidays, for swimming and bathing. Swimming or bathing in all natural and man-made waterways has been completely forbidden to prevent accidental drowning.
No disposal of animal waste, offal, and entrails in municipal manholes, open drains, canals, or empty plots is allowed. The citizens have to use the provided biodegradable waste bags and waste dump points by the local solid waste management departments.
There should be no trading or selling of sacrificial cattle outside the officially approved and notified cattle markets. Temporary livestock stalls will be legally challenged within crowded residential alleyways or commercial streets.
Codified Regulations for Sacrificial Hide Collection
The Home Department has heavily regulated the collection of sacrificial hides to prevent illegal funding and to ensure security. The collecting of hides is prohibited at all times by any banned or unregistered organisation. The registration with the Punjab Charity Commission and the issuance of a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the respective district administration are the legal conditions for collecting hides by any organization, trust or madrassa.
Also, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has made a specific prohibition on the use of unverified and temporary mechanical swings or amusement rides within public parks to safeguard children from mechanical hazards.
Execution Framework in Your City
The Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Assistant Commissioners (ACs) of all the Punjab districts have been given all executive powers to ensure that these rules are obeyed by the police forces of the respective regions. If someone is found to have violated these parameters, he/she will be issued a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) with a substantial fine and/or imprisonment.
