The Punjab Home Department has extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for another seven days, keeping all forms of public gatherings banned until November 22.
According to the notification issued on Saturday, the restrictions will continue to prohibit protests, rallies, sit-ins, public meetings, and any gathering of four or more people in public spaces. The department stated that the decision aims to maintain public safety and prevent any disruption to law and order.
The order further maintains a complete ban on the display of weapons, as well as the distribution or publication of provocative, hateful, or sectarian material. The use of loudspeakers also remains prohibited, except for Azan and Friday sermons.
However, the notification clarifies that wedding ceremonies, funerals, and burial rituals are exempt from the ban.
Government officials performing their duties and court-related activities will also not be affected by the restrictions.
Officials from the Home Department said the extension was necessary due to potential security threats, warning that public processions and sit-ins could become “soft targets for terrorists.” Authorities fear that disruptive elements could exploit such gatherings to carry out anti-state activities.
