Lahore: The Punjab government has extended the period of Section 144 till November 1 to maintain law and order in the province. In a notification issued by the Home Department, all districts have been directed to increase publicity so that citizens are aware of the restrictions.
Under the ban, no political or public gathering, sit-in, rally or procession will be allowed across the province. A complete ban will also be in effect on gatherings of more than four people.
According to the notification, the display of weapons and the use of loudspeakers will also be banned, while the publication of sectarian and inflammatory material will not be allowed. The spokesperson said that this decision has been taken on the recommendation of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order.
The official notification clarified that the ban will not apply to wedding ceremonies and funerals, and government officials will be able to continue their work. The use of loudspeakers will be permitted only to the extent of the call to prayer and Friday sermon.
Authorities have warned that protest gatherings can prove to be soft targets for terrorist elements, so these measures are necessary to deal with any potential threat.
