LAHORE: The Punjab government has extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for another week, keeping in place restrictions on protests, rallies, sit-ins, and other public gatherings until November 15.
A notification issued by the Home Department stated that the ban would remain effective to prevent potential threats to law and order. The order prohibits the assembly of four or more people in public spaces, the display of weapons, and the use of loudspeakers except for specific religious purposes.
According to the notification, the publication or circulation of inflammatory, hate-based, or sectarian content also remains outlawed during this period.
A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department said the extension was aimed at maintaining public safety in view of possible security threats and intelligence warnings about the risk of violence.
“The government’s priority is to ensure peace and protect citizens’ lives and property,” the spokesperson said, adding that public gatherings could be misused by anti-state groups.
The Home Department clarified that exemptions would apply to wedding events, funerals, court proceedings, and official government functions. Loudspeakers, meanwhile, are allowed only for the call to prayer (Azan) and Friday sermons.
The department has instructed all district administrations and law enforcement agencies to publicise the order widely and ensure its strict implementation across Punjab.
Earlier on October 10, the provincial government had imposed Section 144 for ten days after receiving credible intelligence reports warning of security threats across the province. Those reports indicated potential plans by banned outfits and hostile intelligence networks, including RAW, the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), to carry out acts of terrorism or sabotage.
Officials also warned that some political and sectarian groups might attempt to stage rallies or demonstrations that could trigger unrest. Based on these assessments, the Home Department imposed restrictions on public assemblies, arms display, and the dissemination of provocative material.
The latest extension keeps the prohibitions active until November 15 as the provincial authorities continue to monitor the situation.
