LAHORE(National times)- The Punjab Home Department has extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for another seven days, keeping restrictions in place until November 15. The official notification has been issued accordingly. According to a spokesperson for the Home Department, all kinds of public gatherings, protests, rallies, sit-ins, and similar activities will remain banned during this period. Under Section 144, the assembly of four or more people in public places will not be allowed. The spokesperson added that displaying weapons, using loudspeakers (except for Azaan and Friday sermons), and spreading hate or sectarian material are strictly prohibited across the province. The extension has been made to maintain law and order and to protect lives and property.
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The Punjab government took the decision in view of potential threats to public peace and the possibility of terrorist activities. However, the restrictions will not apply to weddings, funerals, or official duties performed by government officers and court proceedings. Officials also warned that large public gatherings or sit-ins could become “soft targets” for terrorists, and anti-state elements might try to exploit such events to stir unrest or carry out subversive acts.
