LAHORE, Sept 13: The Punjab government on Tuesday extended the ban on processions for another month. According to a notification issued by the provincial home department, all DCOs/caretakers in the province were directed to further extend the earlier order under Section 144 issued on Aug 13 for a period of 30 days to restrain the holding of processions by any political, religious and other organizations with a view to maintain public peace and tranquillity, except religious functions, majalis arranged by different sects as earlier notified on October 25, 2004.

The notification said the ban was being extended in view of the threat to the law and order situation, sectarian harmony and public peace in the province by sectarian militants and anti-social elements.

Sectarian strife and activities of anti-social elements were suggestive of the fact that there was every likelihood of breach of peace in any part of the province. The government had reasons to believe that apparently the banned sectarian/militant organizations were likely to indulge in terrorist activities, including bomb blasts, indiscreet firing, which might cause colossal loss to human life and damage to public and private property, the notification said.