- Section 144 extended on cabinet recommendation: department of home affairs.
- Public gatherings are easy targets for terrorists, says spokesman.
- At least 1,648 police officers were injured in clashes with the TLP.
LAHORE: The Punjab government on Saturday extended Section 144 across the province for seven days, following last week’s Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protests, which left three dead and several injured.
The Punjab Home Department spokesperson said Section 144, which prohibits gatherings of four or more people, was expanded on the recommendation of a cabinet meeting on law and order.
The move comes barely a day after the provincial government sent a summary to the federal government, seeking a ban on the TLP after party workers clashed with law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in Lahore.
The clashes took place between the night of October 12 and 13, when police dismantled a TLP protest camp in Muridke.
The resulting clash between police and protesters led to the deaths of at least three TLP workers and a bystander, while reports showed that at least 30 civilians were also injured.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said at least 1,648 police officers were also injured, some of whom suffered gunshot wounds.
A first information report (FIR) has been registered against the TLP chief and other party leaders at Rawat Police Station, Rawalpindi.
Rizvi’s whereabouts remain unknown since police dispersed TLP protesters in Muridke.
Meanwhile, Punjab Home Department spokesperson said the move to expand Section 144 was aimed at restoring law and order.
According to the spokesperson, public gatherings could become easy targets for terrorists.
All gatherings, except weddings, funerals and burials, will be prohibited throughout the province until Friday, October 24, the spokesperson announced.
On Friday, the Punjab government put security on high alert across the province to avoid any untoward situation after the religious party issued another call for protest.
The president of TLP’s Balochistan chapter had reportedly urged party supporters to gather at Lahore’s Data Darbar after Friday prayers.
