LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has extended Section 144 across the province for another seven days, now effective until Saturday, November 8.
According to the notification, all kinds of protests, rallies, processions, sit-ins, and public gatherings remain banned under Section 144. The order also prohibits the assembly of four or more people in public places.
The notification further states that displaying weapons and using loudspeakers are strictly prohibited. However, loudspeakers may only be used for the call to prayer (Azaan) and Friday sermons. The publication or distribution of inflammatory, hate-based, or sectarian material is also banned.
The Punjab government clarified that the extension of Section 144 aims to maintain law and order and protect lives and property.
The restrictions do not apply to weddings, funerals, or burials, while government officials performing duties and courts are exempt.
The Home Department added that due to security threats, public gatherings or sit-ins could become soft targets for terrorists, and miscreants might exploit such situations for anti-state activities.
It has also directed wide public awareness campaigns regarding the enforcement of Section 144 across Punjab.
