Section 144 extended across Punjab once again as security concerns persist

LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for an additional seven days, citing heightened security concerns and the need to maintain public order. The restrictions will now remain in place until Saturday, November 22.

Under the extended order, all forms of protests, rallies, processions, sit-ins, and public gatherings of four or more people remain banned. The display of weapons and the use of loudspeakers, except for calls to prayer (Azan) and Friday sermons, are also prohibited. Authorities have further banned the publication and distribution of inflammatory, hateful, or sectarian material.

Officials said that the decision aims to safeguard lives and property and mitigate the risk of potential terrorist attacks, warning that large gatherings could become “soft targets.”

The restrictions do not apply to wedding ceremonies, funerals, burials, government officers performing official duties, or court activities. The Punjab government has urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and security during the extended period.

MOBILE INTERNET SUSPENSION EXTENDED FOR TWO MORE DAYS

Meanwhile, the suspension of mobile phone internet services in Balochistan has also been extended for two additional days, officials confirmed.

According to Additional Chief Secretary Home Balochistan, Hamza Shafqat, mobile internet services will remain suspended until November 18 due to ongoing security concerns.

Shafqat indicated that further extensions of the internet shutdown could be possible. The prolonged suspension has caused significant difficulties for residents, affecting communication, transport, and daily activities.

Internet services were initially suspended in most areas of Balochistan, including Quetta, on November 3 following heightened security concerns. The provincial government had also temporarily closed educational institutions in cantonment areas, although schools and colleges in Quetta city and other regions remain open.

The heightened security measures follow recent attacks outside Wana Cadet College and the district court in Islamabad. The Balochistan government had earlier imposed a temporary ban on public transport from November 12 to 14, though this notification was later revoked.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel as precautionary measures continue across the province.