Punjab extends Section 144 for seven days, citing terror threats

Order also enforces complete ban on exhibition of weapons, limits use of loudspeakers except for Azaan, Friday sermons

The Punjab Home Department has announced a seven-day extension in the enforcement of Section 144 across the province a day after provincial cabinet forwarded a summary to the federal government seeking a formal ban on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan.

The decision taken during the 38th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order extending the restrictions that were first imposed on October 8. The government cited growing security threats and terrorism concerns as the main reasons for the extension, warning that large gatherings could become 'soft targets' for hostile elements.

According to an official notification, all forms of protests, rallies, sit-ins, public gatherings, processions, and demonstrations are strictly prohibited throughout Punjab. Under Section 144, the assembly of four or more people in public places has been banned.

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The order also enforces a complete ban on the exhibition of weapons and limits the use of loudspeakers — except for the prayer call (Azaan) and Friday sermons. Similarly, the publication and distribution of inflammatory, hate-filled, or sectarian material have been outlawed.

Officials said the restrictions were aimed at maintaining public order and preventing anti-state elements from creating unrest. However, weddings, funerals, and official duties of government officers and courts have been exempted from the ban.

The Home Department confirmed that the order will remain in effect until Friday, October 24, and directed authorities to ensure public awareness of the ban.

The decision came a day after the Punjab cabinet approved the proposal to outlaw the TLP and sent the case to the federal government for implementation.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said the government had decided to deal firmly with the group. “Using religion’s name, they built properties worth millions of rupees. Petrol pumps, luxury watches, and large amounts of money have been recovered from them,” she said.

Read: Auqaf takes control of TLP-linked mosques

Sharing details of recent violence, Bokhari added that 200 police personnel were injured, 17 vehicles were damaged, while two completely destroyed. “An inspector was martyred, one officer was shot in the arm, and another in the throat — he will never be able to speak again,” she said.

Earlier, the Punjab government and Islamabad administration launched a province-wide crackdown against the TLP, sealing several of its offices, mosques, and seminaries amid heightened tensions ahead of the group’s planned demonstrations.

Officials said the coordinated operation was aimed at curbing activities leading to unrest and preventing the misuse of religious platforms to incite violence and chaos.