- Section 144 extended after recommendation of the cabinet: home department.
- Public gatherings soft targets for terrorists, spokesman says.
- At least 1,648 police officers were injured in clashes with the TLP.
LAHORE: The Punjab government on Saturday extended Section 144 across the province for seven days following last week’s Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protests which left three dead and several injured.
Punjab home ministry spokesman said Section 144 – which prohibits gatherings of four or more people – was extended on the recommendation of a cabinet meeting on law and order.
The move comes just a day after the provincial government sent a summary to the federal government seeking a ban on the TLP after the party workers clashed with the law enforcement agencies (LEA) in Lahore.
The clashes took place between the night of October 12 and October 13, when police set up a TLP protest camp in Muridke.
The resulting confrontation between the police and the protesters led to the death of at least three TLP workers and a bystander, while reports indicated that at least 30 civilians were also injured.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said at least 1,648 policemen were also injured, some of whom suffered gunshot wounds.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the TLP chief and other party leadership at Rawat Police Station, Rawalpindi.
Rizvi’s whereabouts have remained unknown since police dispersed TLP protesters in Muridke.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Home Ministry spokesman said the move to extend Section 144 was aimed at restoring public order.
According to the spokesman, public gatherings can become soft targets for terrorists.
All gatherings – except for wedding events, funerals and burials – will be banned across the province until Friday, October 24, the spokesman announced.
The Punjab government on Friday put security on high alert across the province to prevent any untoward situation after the religious party issued another protest call.
According to reports, the president of TLP’s Balochistan branch had called on party supporters to gather at Lahore’s Data Darbar after Friday prayers.
