Punjab extends Section 144 until Oct 5

The Punjab government has extended restrictions under Section 144 across the province until October 5, banning gatherings of five or more people at public places, processions and incitement to participate in unlawful assemblies, the Home Department said on Friday. The decision was taken at the 60th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, held at the Punjab Home Department. The committee also approved the formation of four joint investigation teams (JITs) and jail trials in 21 cases. Provincial Minister and committee chairman Khawaja Salman Rafique chaired the meeting, which was attended by Provincial Minister and co-chairman Bilal Yasin, Provincial Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani and Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Rana Bilal Ahmad. Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi briefed the committee on the law-and-order situation and security arrangements across the province. Under the extended restrictions, gatherings of five or more people at public places and processions will remain prohibited. The incitement of people to participate in unlawful assemblies has also been banned. The restrictions further prohibit the carrying and display of all types of weapons at public places. The committee approved four JITs and jail trials in 21 cases. However, the Home Department handout did not provide details of the cases, including the offences involved, districts concerned or reasons for conducting the trials in jails.