Punjab govt extends Section 144

LAHORE:

The Punjab Home Department has extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for eight more days. Under the extension, all forms of protests, rallies, gatherings, sit-ins, processions and public meetings remain strictly prohibited.

The order bans the assembly of four or more people in public places, as well as the display of weapons, use of loudspeakers, and publication or distribution of hate or sectarian material.

Officials said the decision was taken to maintain law and order, and to protect lives and property in light of security concerns.

The Punjab Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, in its 39th meeting, had recommended the extension due to possible terrorism and public safety threats.

The restrictions, however, do not apply to weddings, funerals, or official duties. Loudspeakers may only be used for Azan and Friday sermons.

The notification, effective until November 1, warns that public gatherings or protests could be soft targets for terrorists, and that anti-state elements might exploit such events.