Section 144 extended across Punjab amid security threats

ISLAMABAD: The Punjab Home Department, in a fresh order issued on Tuesday, extended for another seven days the enforcement of Section 144 in the province on the grounds of heightened security concerns and a need to maintain public order. It shall now remain in place till Saturday, November 22.

The extended order has maintained a ban on all kinds of protests, rallies, processions, sit-ins, and public gatherings of more than four people. The display of weapons and the use of loudspeakers, except for calls to prayer (Azan) and Friday sermons, are banned. Authorities have also prohibited the printing and distribution of inflammatory, hateful, or sectarian material.

Officials maintained that the decision aims to secure lives and property and reduce the danger of imminent terrorist attacks, saying large gatherings would become “soft targets.”

Exemptions include wedding ceremonies, funerals, burials, government officers in the performance of official duties, and court work. The Punjab government has appealed to the people for full cooperation with the law-enforcing 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 has also been extended for two more days in Balochistan, as confirmed by officials.

As per Additional Chief Secretary Home Balochistan, Hamza Shafqat, the mobile internet services will be suspended until November 18 because security concerns still persist.

Shafqat said further extensions to the internet shutdown would be possible. The extended suspension has caused severe hardships for the locals in communicating, transportation, and other daily activities.

Internet services were suspended on November 3 in most areas of Balochistan, including Quetta, following concerns over heightened security. The provincial government had also decided to temporarily close educational institutions in cantonment areas. However, schools and colleges in Quetta city, as well as in other areas, remained open.

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

The authorities have requested citizens to be alert and fully cooperate with the security personnel as precautionary measures continue across the province.