DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The district administration imposed Section 144 across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district, banning pillion riding and public gatherings, rallies and processions until Nov 11, citing law and order concerns.
The restrictions were imposed through an order issued by Deputy Commissioner Hikmatullah on Oct 13 and took immediate effect.
Under the order, public gatherings, meetings, processions and rallies that could potentially disturb public order, disrupt traffic or obstruct the movement of citizens have been prohibited.
The administration has also imposed restrictions on the display of weapons and the installation of tents and temporary structures on public roads, according to the notification.
The order said the measures had been taken in view of the prevailing law and order situation in the district.
Those found violating the restrictions would face legal action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code, the administration warned.
The restrictions will remain in force across the district until Nov 11, unless withdrawn or modified by the competent authority before that date.
Section 144 is a provision in the Code of Criminal Procedure which empowers local authorities to ban public gatherings such as rallies, processions and sit-ins, as well as the open display of weapons.
Currently, Section 144 remains in effect in several areas of the country.
On Sunday, it was imposed in Karachi, set to remain in effect till Oct 20. On Saturday, Section 144 was imposed in Rawalpindi district for a period of 30 days.
Punjab Home Department also imposed Section 144 across the province until Oct 15 in view of serious threats to public peace, tranquility and the safety of life and property.