The government of Punjab on Thursday imposed Section 144, banning all protests, rallies and sit-ins until October 18 across the province.
According to reports, the Punjab Home Department has issued a notification for the imposition of Section 144. A spokesperson for the department said that the Government of Punjab has issued these orders in view of potential threats of terrorism and concerns regarding public order.
According to the spokesperson, there will be a complete ban on the display of weapons throughout the province. Similarly, the use of loudspeakers will also be strictly prohibited under Section 144.
The spokesperson further stated that the publication and distribution of provocative, hate-filled, or sectarian material has also been completely banned.
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The Home Department spokesperson explained that the imposition of Section 144 is aimed at maintaining law and order and protecting human lives and property.
They clarified that the ban will not apply to wedding ceremonies, funerals, or burials.
The spokesperson added that due to security threats, public processions and sit-ins could become soft targets for terrorists.
It is worth mentioning that earlier today, the Punjab government had decided to recommend a ban on an extremist group to the federal government in order to uphold the writ of the state and the rule of law.
