LAHORE: The Punjab government has extended the ban on protests, rallies, sit-ins, and public gatherings for the fourth consecutive time for a week owing to perpetual concerns over terrorism and public order and threat perceptions.

As the third order term expired on Saturday, the Punjab home department on Sunday yet again notified imposition of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, across the province for another seven days.

The Punjab government had initially imposed the ban on Oct 8 for 10 days and then notified extensions on Oct 18, Oct 25, Nov 2, and eventually on Nov 9 for one week ban each.

The home department has extended the ban on rallies, gatherings, carrying of arms, use of loudspeakers and spreading of provocative material.

The home department in its order says review of the latest reports and threat assessments shared by law enforcement and intelligence agencies explains the threat perception to public peace, tranquillity and law and order has not abated.

Extending the ban for the fourth time, the home department asserts continuation of restrictions including assembly, gathering, procession or sit-in of four or more persons in any public place, street, road or open space; carrying of arms, use of loudspeakers as well as publishing, disseminating or display of any provocative material that may incite public sentiment or disturb inter-faith and sectarian harmony.

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2025