Section 144 Extended in Punjab for One More Week

The Punjab Home Department has extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for an additional seven days, a spokesperson confirmed on Sunday.

A formal notification issued by the provincial government states that the restrictions will remain in effect until Saturday, November 8, 2025.

According to the spokesperson, “the ban on all kinds of protests, rallies, processions, sit-ins, public gatherings, and similar activities will remain in place.” Under Section 144, any public gathering of four or more individuals is strictly prohibited.

The notification further mentions that the display of weapons and the use of loudspeakers are “completely banned,” except for the call to prayer (Azan) and Friday sermons. Additionally, publishing or distributing any inflammatory, hate-based, or sectarian material remains prohibited under the order.

The spokesperson explained that the decision to extend Section 144 was taken to “maintain law and order and protect lives and property.”

However, the restrictions will not apply to wedding ceremonies, funeral prayers, or burial events. Government officials, employees performing official duties, and courts will also remain exempt from the ban.

The province initially imposed Section 144 last month following violent protests by the religio-political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), which was later declared a proscribed organization by the federal government. The clashes between law enforcement personnel and protesters had resulted in multiple casualties and injuries.