The Punjab government has extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for another seven days, maintaining the ban on all kinds of protests, rallies, gatherings, sit-ins, and public demonstrations.

According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department, the restrictions under Section 144 prohibit the assembly of four or more people at public places, as well as the display of weapons and the use of loudspeakers.

The spokesperson added that there will also be a strict ban on the publication and distribution of provocative, hateful, or sectarian material.

The extension of Section 144, the spokesperson said, has been implemented in view of maintaining public order and ensuring the protection of lives and property.

The ban, however, will not apply to wedding ceremonies, funeral prayers, or burial rites.

Government officials and personnel performing official duties, as well as court activities, have also been exempted.

Furthermore, the Home Department clarified that loudspeakers may only be used for the call to prayer (Azaan) and Friday sermons.

The Punjab Home Department has issued a formal notification extending Section 144 enforcement until Saturday, November 8.