Punjab extends Section 144 Amid PTI protest and security concerns
The government’s decision to extend Section 144 is part of its strategy to contain the growing unrest and ensure public safety.
LAHORE: The Punjab government has extended the imposition of Section 144 across the province until November 28, as part of ongoing efforts to maintain law and order amid the escalating Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests. The decision, effective from Tuesday, November 26, to Thursday, November 28, prohibits all forms of rallies, protests, sit-ins, and public gatherings in the province.
According to the notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, the extension is aimed at ensuring peace and protecting human lives and property in light of the ongoing security concerns. Authorities cited the risk of public gatherings becoming potential targets for terrorist activities, further exacerbating the volatile situation. Section 144 has already been in place in the province for the past three days based on recommendations from the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order.
The imposition of Section 144 follows a similar move in Islamabad on November 18, where the federal government banned all religious and political gatherings due to escalating tensions surrounding the PTI protests.
Meanwhile, the PTI convoy, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, has reached the outskirts of Islamabad, specifically 26 No. Chowk. As the convoy advanced, clashes broke out between protestors and security forces, with police using heavy shelling to disperse the crowds.
Read More: PTI Islamabad protest latest updates and current situation explained
The government’s decision to extend Section 144 is part of its strategy to contain the growing unrest and ensure public safety while the PTI protests continue to challenge the government. The authorities remain on high alert as tensions persist across Punjab and Islamabad, with both sides bracing for further confrontations.
