LAHORE: The Punjab home department has extended imposition of Section 144 in Sargodha primarily to avert protests and rallies in the wake of mob violence against a Christian man accused of desecration of the Holy Quran.

Home secretary Noorul Amin Mengal had imposed Section 144 in Sargodha on May 25 and in the latest order extended the validity of the order for a further period of seven days with immediate effect. The order bans “all kinds of assemblies, gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, processions, demonstration, jalsas, protests and other activities across district Sargodha”.

It may be mentioned that the PTI has also announced schedule of its workers conventions in seven cities from June 5 to June 15, including Sargodha.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2024