Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday announced that the era of violence, unrest and bloodshed in politics is over, declaring that anyone challenging the writ of the state will face action with an iron hand.

Chairing two high-level meetings on law and order within a single day, the chief minister directed authorities to take strict measures against those spreading hate, incitement and lawlessness.

She said that individuals involved in terrorism, attacks on police officers or destruction of public and private property will face prosecution under anti-terrorism laws.

The meetings decided to register a case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) against the PTI founder Imran Khan’s social media account over a “false and provocative statement” referring to “400 dead bodies”.

Officials said extremist elements and leaders of organisations involved in incitement will be placed on the Fourth Schedule, while the use of nail-studded sticks, petrol bombs, loudspeakers or any kind of weapons during protests has been strictly banned.

Possession of illegal weapons will carry up to 14 years in jail and a fine of Rs2 million.

The Punjab government also decided to bring Afghan nationals into the tax net and conduct a combing operation against illegally residing foreigners.

The chief minister emphasised that the state’s actions target only those who spread violence and chaos, not any religious group or sect.

She directed that terrorism cases be registered against those misusing mosques or madrassas to promote hatred, division or violence, and warned that violations of Section 144 will also be dealt with under anti-terrorism laws.

Authorities further clarified that anyone attempting to forcibly close markets, shops or transport in the name of protest will also face terrorism charges.