SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: The district administrations of Lower and Upper South Waziristan imposed Section 144 restrictions for Saturday, restricting movement in several areas and closing markets and major routes amid security concerns and the movement of logistical supplies for security forces.
Lower South Waziristan Deputy Commissioner Musarrat Zaman and Upper South Waziristan Deputy Commissioner Irfan Ali issued separate notifications on Friday evening, outlining restrictions on public movement, access to designated roads and other activities in the affected areas.
According to the notification issued by the Lower South Waziristan administration, Section 144 was enforced in Wana Bazaar, the Wana Bypass and several other localities. The restrictions were imposed in view of security concerns and to facilitate the safe transportation of logistical supplies for security forces.
The notification prohibited movement along several routes, including those passing through Wana, Tiarza Gate, Karab Kot, Tanai, Azizabad Chowk and Dargai Bridge. Entry onto the routes connecting Gul Kach with Toi Khullah and Tanai was also strictly prohibited.
The district administration said travel along the affected routes would be permitted only in emergencies and with prior authorisation from the police or security forces. Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary movement and comply with the instructions issued by the authorities.
The notification also directed motorists to stop their vehicles at least 50 metres away upon seeing security forces. Officials said the restrictions were intended to facilitate security arrangements during the movement of logistical supplies.
The administration warned that individuals violating the restrictions would be held responsible for their actions under the applicable law.
In Upper South Waziristan, the administration issued a separate notification imposing Section 144 in Servekai and Sararogha tehsils and several adjoining areas.
The restrictions were introduced for similar security reasons, particularly in connection with the transportation of logistical supplies for security forces. The notification also ordered the closure of markets and commercial centres in the affected areas.
According to the district administration, entry was prohibited on several routes, including those leading to Ladha, Makeen, Sararogha and Nazar Khel. Restrictions were also imposed on roads leading to Dargai Bridge, Madi Jan, Sheen Warsak and Jandola.
Other routes affected by the order included those passing through Servekai, Moley Khan Sarai, Barwand, Asman Manza and Torwam. The administration directed residents to refrain from travelling through the restricted areas until permitted by the relevant authorities.
However, the notification allowed travel in emergencies, subject to authorisation from the police or security forces and verification of identity documents.
Special provisions were also made for polio workers and vaccination teams. According to the notification, members of these teams would be allowed to move through the affected areas after establishing their identities.
The Upper South Waziristan administration also instructed motorists to stop their vehicles at least 50 metres away upon seeing security forces and directed all occupants to disembark. The measure was included among the security instructions issued for compliance during the enforcement of Section 144.
Both administrations urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, follow official instructions and avoid unnecessary travel on restricted routes. People requiring movement for emergencies were advised to seek permission from the relevant authorities before proceeding.
Section 144 empowers district administrations to impose restrictions on certain activities and public movement in specified circumstances. The latest orders in the two districts come amid heightened security concerns and efforts to facilitate the movement of supplies for security forces.