Lahore | October 25, 2025
The Punjab government has extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for another week, continuing the ban on public gatherings and display of weapons until November 1.
According to an official notification issued on Friday, the extension was approved during the 39th meeting of the Cabinet Committee for Law and Order held at the Home Department. The meeting, chaired by senior officials, reviewed the overall security situation and measures to maintain public order amid ongoing regional and domestic developments.
Section 144 extended in Punjab until November 1, prohibiting gatherings, use of loudspeakers and the display of any hateful or sectarian material.https://t.co/C0GF4wvSYn
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) October 25, 2025
Under Section 144, all types of assemblies, processions, sit-ins, or gatherings of four or more people in public spaces—including roads, streets, and open grounds—will remain prohibited. The order also enforces a complete ban on carrying, displaying, or brandishing any kind of weapon, even if licensed, in public places.
The restriction further extends to the use of loudspeakers, as well as the printing, publishing, or distribution of material deemed provocative, hateful, or sectarian in nature that could disturb public peace or interfaith harmony.
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Officials said the extension aims to ensure the continued stability of law and order during what has been described as a “sensitive period.” The initial imposition of Section 144 was made on October 8 for ten days, later extended on October 18, and now prolonged for another seven days.
The meeting also reviewed the ongoing deportation process of Afghan nationals residing illegally in Punjab. Authorities reaffirmed that individuals and social media activists found spreading extremism or sectarian hatred online were being dealt with strictly under relevant laws.
Those present at the meeting included Home Special Secretary Fazalur Rehman, Auqaf Secretary Syed Tahir Raza Bukhari, Additional IG Chaudhry Sultan, and senior officers from the Special Branch, Crime Control Department (CCD), and various police ranges. Divisional commissioners and regional police officers participated via video link.
