KABUL: The Punjab Home Department in Pakistan has announced that due to security concerns and threats, public gatherings, sit-ins, and demonstrations will remain prohibited in the province.
According to Dawn, a prominent Pakistani newspaper, the department stated today that the decision was made under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which allows local authorities to temporarily ban gatherings of four or more people in a specific area.
The latest restrictions have been extended until November 8, for an additional five days.
The statement from the Punjab Home Department noted: “Given the security threats, rallies and public sit-ins can serve as easy targets for terrorist attacks. Malicious elements may exploit public gatherings to carry out anti-government activities.”
The department has also banned the display of weapons and the use of loudspeakers during this period.
The initial ban was imposed on October 8, later extended on October 18 for another week, and further prolonged on October 25. It remains to be seen whether the restrictions will continue beyond the latest extension.
Security concerns in Pakistan: Ban on public gatherings in Punjab extended
