The Punjab government has extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for another seven days, aiming to maintain public order and ensure citizen safety.
A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department confirmed the decision, stating that the restrictions will now remain in place until Saturday, November 8. The move is described as a preventive measure to maintain law and order and to protect human lives and property from potential threats.
Under this extension, all forms of protests, public meetings, rallies, sit-ins, and other large gatherings are strictly prohibited. There is also a complete ban on the assembly of four or more people in any public space.
Furthermore, the restrictions include a ban on the display of weapons and the misuse of loudspeakers. The government also warned against the publication and distribution of any inflammatory, hateful, or sectarian material.
The spokesperson clarified that certain activities are exempt from these restrictions to avoid disrupting essential public life. These exemptions include marriage ceremonies and funerals. Government officers performing official duties and courts are also not subject to the ban.
Regarding loudspeakers, their use will only be permitted for the call to prayer (Azan) and for Friday sermons. The Punjab Home Department has issued a formal notification for this extension.
