The Punjab Home Department has issued a notification for the implementation of Section 144 across the province and instructions have been given to widely publicize its issuance for public awareness.

According to a spokesperson for the Home Department, Section 144 will remain in effect until Saturday, October 18, during which all types of protests, meetings, processions, rallies, sit-ins and large public gatherings will be banned in the province. Under the law, gatherings of four or more people in public places have been completely prohibited.

The spokesperson also clarified that under the ban, display of all types of weapons and unauthorized use of loudspeakers will be prohibited. Loudspeakers will be limited to Azan and Friday sermons only and will not be allowed for use in other gatherings.

The Home Department said that there will also be a complete ban on the publication and distribution of inflammatory, hateful or sectarian material. These measures have been taken in view of public order and protection of life and property of citizens.

The notification has an exception clause that the ban will not apply to wedding ceremonies, funerals and burials, while officers and officials performing official duties will be exempted from the ban.

The spokesperson warned the public that in view of the current security threats, large processions or sit-ins can become soft targets for terrorist elements, and miscreants can take advantage of the protests to carry out anti-state activities. Therefore, the public is requested to respect government instructions and security guidelines and cooperate to avoid possible threats.