The Punjab Home Department has extended Section 144 across the province for another week due to ongoing security threats from the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protests.
The legal measure bans gatherings of four or more people, weapons displays, loudspeakers (except for mosque sermons), and inflammatory material to maintain public order
The extension follows a pre-dawn operation on October 13 in Muridke, during which police dismantled a Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protest camp. They arrested 2,716 individuals, including 251 in Lahore and 178 in Sheikhupura. The TLP’s “Gaza Solidarity” march toward the US embassy in Islamabad led to violence, resulting in damage to 40 vehicles and injuries to 48 police officers, 17 of whom were shot. Tragically, three TLP workers and one passerby lost their lives during the incident.
Read: TLP Protests Erupt Across Pakistan Over Saad Rizvi Shooting Claim
The Home Department warned that protests could be exploited by terrorists for anti-state acts. Minister Tallal Chaudhry compared TLP actions to the 2023 PTI riots, vowing strict measures. Punjab previously banned TLP in 2021 and June 2023, lifting restrictions after agreements. Friday saw restored calm, with businesses and schools open.
The extension and crackdown aim to curb TLP’s history of violent agitations, ensuring safety. Continued restrictions signal heightened vigilance.
