District administrations across Lower and Upper South Waziristan enforced strict Section 144 orders on Saturday, significantly restricting public movement and commercial activities. Lower South Waziristan Deputy Commissioner Musarrat Zaman and Upper South Waziristan Deputy Commissioner Irfan Ali issued separate administrative notifications late Friday evening. The emergency measures order the temporary closure of key local markets, commercial centers, and vital transit corridors across both districts. According to official notices, the restrictions instituted due to heightened regional security concerns and to facilitate the safe, unhindered transit of logistical convoys for security forces. Consequently, law enforcement personnel established multiple security checkpoints along major roads to enforce strict compliance.
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In Lower South Waziristan, Section 144 restrictions cover prominent commercial areas including Wana Bazaar, the Wana Bypass, and surrounding rural localities. Authorities strictly prohibited public access along key thoroughfares passing through Tiarza Gate, Karab Kot, Tanai, Azizabad Chowk, and Dargai Bridge. Furthermore, entry onto connecting transit routes linking Gul Kach with Toi Khullah remains completely barred. District officials emphasized that vehicular travel along these restricted corridors permitted solely during medical emergencies with prior police authorization. Motorists encountering military or police convoys instructed to stop their vehicles at least fifty meters away immediately.
Concurrently, Upper South Waziristan administrators deployed similar security protocols across Servekai, Sararogha, and neighboring sub-districts. Commercial hubs, markets, and public spaces in Servekai and Sararogha tehsils were ordered completely closed for the duration. Entry remains prohibited on major regional routes leading toward Ladha, Makeen, Sararogha, and Nazar Khel. Additional travel restrictions affect roads connecting Madi Jan, Sheen Warsak, Jandola, Moley Khan Sarai, Barwand, Asman Manza, and Torwam. However, authorities made special exemptions allowing verified polio vaccination teams and emergency healthcare workers to travel after identity verification.
To ensure tactical safety during convoy movements, Upper South Waziristan authorities mandated that motorists stop fifty meters away from security forces and disembark from their vehicles. District officials warned that individuals violating Section 144 directives will face immediate prosecution under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Local civil administration and police units continue monitoring main highways to manage emergency public clearance. Consequently, public transit operations between South Waziristan and neighboring settled districts remain temporarily suspended.
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Security experts note that periodic Section 144 enforcement remains a primary administrative tool for maintaining public order in border districts. The restrictions allow law enforcement agencies to conduct routine security checks and safeguard essential supply lines without public disruption. Meanwhile, local business associations expressed hope that normal commercial activities will resume swiftly once official security clearances are completed. District officials pledged to review the situation continuously and restore public movement as soon as operational conditions allow. Ultimately, regional authorities maintain high operational readiness to ensure public safety across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s southern belt.