LAHORE: The Punjab government has extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for another seven days.
According to a notification from the Home Department, the decision was made after the Cabinet’s Standing Committee on Law and Order reviewed the latest threat assessments from law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Officials informed the committee that threats to public peace, law and order, and overall security persist. The committee, therefore, decided to maintain restrictions to prevent unrest, sectarian tension, or any unlawful activities, ensuring the safety of citizens and the protection of property.
Following these recommendations, the Home Department extended Section 144 for another week. Under the order, public gatherings, processions, sit-ins, carrying of weapons, use of loudspeakers, and distribution of inflammatory material remain prohibited.
Earlier, Punjab had formally requested the federal government to ban Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), confirmed Provincial Information Minister Azma Bukhari.
Speaking at a press conference, she said the Punjab cabinet has already approved the ban, and the summary has been forwarded to the federal government for final approval.
Bukhari stated that during TLP’s so-called “peaceful protests,” 202 police officers were seriously injured and 97 police vehicles were destroyed.
She clarified that the move is not against any religious group or institution but is aimed at curbing extremist elements involved in violence and chaos.
“No action has been taken against any religious organization, mosque, or madrassa,” Azma Bukhari emphasized, adding that the government’s measures target only those spreading extremism in the name of religion.