The order also enforces complete ban on display of weapons, restricts use of loudspeakers except for Azaan, Friday sermons
The Punjab Home Ministry has announced a seven-day extension of the enforcement of Section 144 across the province, a day after the provincial cabinet submitted a brief to the federal government seeking a formal ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan.
The decision, taken during the 38th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, to extend the restrictions that were first introduced on October 8. The government cited growing security threats and terrorism concerns as the main reasons for the extension and warned that large gatherings could become ‘soft targets’ for hostile elements.
According to an official notification, all forms of protests, rallies, sit-ins, public gatherings, processions and demonstrations are strictly prohibited throughout Punjab. Under Section 144, assembly of four or more persons in public places has been prohibited.
Also read: Punjab cabinet approves TLP ban, sends summary to Center for action
The order also enforces a complete ban on the display of weapons and restricts the use of loudspeakers – except for the call to prayer (Azaan) and Friday sermons. Similarly, publication and distribution of inflammatory, hateful or sectarian material has been prohibited.
Officials said the restrictions were aimed at maintaining public order and preventing anti-government elements from creating unrest. However, weddings, funerals and official duties of officials and courts have been exempted from the ban.
The Home Office confirmed that the order will remain in force until Friday, October 24, and instructed authorities to ensure public awareness of the ban.
The decision came a day after the Punjab government approved the proposal to ban TLP and sent the matter to the federal government for implementation.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said the government had decided to deal firmly with the group. “Using the name of religion, they built properties worth crores of rupees. Petrol pumps, luxury watches and large amount of money have been recovered from them,” she said.
Read: Auqaf takes control of TLP-affiliated mosques
Sharing details of recent violence, Bokhari added that 200 policemen were injured, 17 vehicles were damaged while two were completely destroyed. “One inspector was martyred, one officer was shot in the arm and another in the throat – he will never be able to speak again,” she said.
Earlier, the Punjab government and the Islamabad administration launched a province-wide crackdown on the TLP, sealing several of its offices, mosques and seminaries amid heightened tensions ahead of the group’s planned demonstrations.
Officials said the coordinated operation aimed to curb activities leading to unrest and prevent misuse of religious platforms to incite violence and mayhem.
