Pak Punjab Govt bans New Year celebrations over fears of terror strike - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

In view of the deteriorating law and order situation in the province, the provincial government in Punjab has banned New Year celebrations in the city and has asked all hotels, restaurants and cafes to implement the directive positively. In a meeting chaired by Lahore District Coordination Officer Sajjad Bhutta, officials decided to ban the celebrations fearing terrorist strike. The authorities maintained that keeping in view the deteriorating law and order situation, and respect for the ongoing month of Muharram, it is inappropriate to hold such celebrations, The Daily Times reports. Officials said the decision to bar the New Year celebrations was taken after taking into account the heightened fear of terror attacks.