Punjab Extends Section 144 for Eight More Days

News Desk 

Lahore:  The Punjab government has extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for another eight days to maintain law and order and ensure the protection of lives and property.

According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, all forms of protests, rallies, processions, sit-ins, public gatherings, and similar activities have been strictly prohibited under the extended order. The ban also restricts the assembly of four or more persons in public places.

The order further prohibits the display of weapons, the use of loudspeakers (except for Azaan and Friday sermons), and the publication or distribution of provocative, hateful, or sectarian material.

The decision to extend Section 144 was made following recommendations from the 39th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order. The provincial government said the extension was necessary due to potential threats to public peace and security.

The restrictions will remain in effect until November 1, 2025, but will not apply to wedding ceremonies, funeral prayers, burial rituals, courts, or officials performing government duties.

A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department said large gatherings and protests could serve as soft targets for terrorists or miscreants seeking to exploit such situations for anti-state activities. The extension aims to prevent such threats and maintain peace and public safety across the province.

The Home Department has directed all relevant authorities to ensure public awareness and compliance with Section 144 through wide dissemination of information.

708 Encroachments Cleared, 2,343 Illegal Banners Removed Under “Suthra Punjab” Campaign

LAHORE, Oct 25 (APP): In line with Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision to make Lahore clean and encroachment-free, the district administration has intensified the “Suthra Punjab” campaign, removing 708 encroachments and 2,343 illegal banners and flexes in ongoing operations across the city.

Under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Lahore Syed Musa Raza, large-scale anti-encroachment drives were conducted in major commercial areas and traffic hotspots. Assistant Commissioners led teams to reclaim public spaces and ensure smooth traffic flow throughout the city.

Illegally placed goods and structures on roads, footpaths, and market areas were confiscated. Teams from the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL) Regulation Wing, led by Metropolitan Officer Regulation Kashif Jaleel, also participated, targeting visual pollution and unauthorized outdoor advertisements.

Officials said the operations have visibly improved road width, pedestrian access, and the city’s overall appearance.

DC Syed Musa Raza said the campaign is being implemented with zero tolerance for encroachments, adding that the DC Office control room and social media complaint channels are actively addressing public grievances. “No one will be allowed to occupy public spaces. Enforcement of the law will continue without leniency,” he maintained.

He noted that the removal of illegal structures has enhanced the beauty of Lahore’s historic architecture and restored its civic charm. “We will sustain these operations until Lahore becomes a clean, organized, and encroachment-free city,” he added.