LAHORE: The Home Department of Punjab has extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for seven more days, imposing a ban on all forms of public gatherings, including protests, meetings, rallies, processions, sit-ins and similar activities.
According to a notification issued to the media, the extension runs until October 24, and authorities have been instructed to widely publicize the order to ensure public awareness.
Under the order, four or more persons are prohibited from assembling at public places. The notification also imposes a complete ban on the display of weapons throughout the province. Use of loudspeakers is restricted to adhan (call to prayer) and the Friday sermon (khutbah) only.
The directive further prohibits the publication or distribution of any incendiary, hate-filled or sectarian material in Punjab.
A Home Department spokesperson said the measures were taken in view of security and public-order concerns, and the extension aims to protect life and property and maintain law and order. The decision to extend Section 144 was recommended during the 38th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order.
The notification clarifies that the restrictions do not apply to weddings, funerals, or burials, and that government officers performing official duties and courts are exempt. Authorities warned that public processions and sit-ins could become soft targets for terrorists or be exploited by malicious actors to carry out anti-state activities.
