LAHORE: The Punjab government announced on Thursday that all educational institutions in the province will remain closed on Friday, October 18, following the imposition of Section 144. According to the official notification, schools, colleges, and universities will be shut for the day.

The government has enforced Section 144 across Punjab for two days, from Friday, October 18, to Saturday, October 19. During this period, all forms of protests, processions, and public gatherings have been banned.

The Punjab Home Department stated that the ban was put in place to prevent potential terrorist attacks, as large public gatherings could be targeted.

The decision aims to maintain law and order, safeguard lives, and protect property amid rising security concerns. Public safety remains a top priority as the authorities take preventive measures to avert any incidents.

Earlier in the day, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party had called for a nationwide protest, urging citizens to join demonstrations on Friday, October 18. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced that protests would be held in every district and city across the country, demanding the release of PTI leaders and workers. He called on the public to resist what he described as unconstitutional amendments.