Punjab has extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for another seven days due to threats of terrorism and concerns over public order, according to the Punjab Home Department. The Home Department spokesperson stated that the ban on all types of protests, gatherings, rallies, processions, sit-ins, and similar activities would remain in place throughout the province. However, the spokesperson added that the restrictions do not apply to wedding ceremonies, funerals, or burials.  Officials and personnel performing government duties, as well as courts, are also exempt from the ban.

The spokesperson said under Section 144, any gathering of four or more people in public places remains strictly prohibited. A complete ban has also been imposed on the display of all kinds of weapons across Punjab, while the use of loudspeakers is entirely restricted under the same law. Loudspeakers may only be used for calls to prayer and Friday sermons, the spokesperson said, adding that the province also continues to enforce a total ban on the publication and distribution of inflammatory, hateful or sectarian material.

Punjab Home Department spokesperson said that the decision to extend Section 144 was made to maintain law and order and to protect human lives and property. The Punjab government issued the directives in light of terrorism threats and concerns related to public safety. The spokesperson warned that public rallies or sit-ins could serve as soft targets for terrorists and that disruptive elements might exploit public gatherings to carry out anti-state activities.

The Home Department has issued a notification extending the enforcement of Section 144 until Saturday, 22 November. On October 16, the Punjab government first imposed Section 144, which banned all kinds of protests, rallies, sit-ins, processions, and public gatherings until October 18. The government subsequently extended the order across the province four timesóon October 25, November 2, November 9, and now once again for an additional seven days.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)