Authorities have imposed sweeping security restrictions across several districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and North Waziristan, in response to escalating threats and ongoing security operations.
Officials said the measures were precautionary in nature and aimed at maintaining law and order while ensuring the safety of residents amid a fragile security environment.
Section 144 Enforced in Dera Ismail Khan
In Dera Ismail Khan, the deputy commissioner invoked Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, enforcing a complete ban on public movement from 6am to 6pm.
The restrictions apply to several key routes and link roads, including Tank Road from the Tariq Shaheed area to Bhagowal, Kulachi, Hathala, Kot Atal, Garh Abdullah, Tikwara, Pota Budh, Kanwari Ghar Mohabbat, Chehkan, Darbari and Kot Isa Khan.
The order took immediate effect and is intended to prevent any disruption of public order and minimise potential risks during heightened security operations.
Public Advisory Issued in Bannu
In Bannu, the district police administration issued an urgent advisory warning residents of emergency measures due to what it described as a precarious security situation.
Citizens have been directed to remain indoors and avoid travelling on motorcycles, rickshaws or other vehicles. Law enforcement authorities emphasised that the steps were necessary to avert possible loss of life or property and urged the public to fully cooperate with security personnel.
The advisory follows recent security incidents in the district, underscoring persistent threats in the region.
Full-Day Curfew in North Waziristan
In North Waziristan, authorities announced a full curfew for Sunday from 5am to 7pm, citing the movement of security forces in the area. Residents were instructed to suspend routine activities and extend complete cooperation to law enforcement agencies.
A nightly restriction on public movement from 12am to 4am remains in force without interruption.
Ongoing Security Challenges
The coordinated measures come amid continued security challenges in the merged districts and surrounding areas, where authorities have periodically imposed similar restrictions to facilitate safe operations by security forces and reduce risks to civilians.
Officials have appealed to residents to strictly comply with the directives, stressing that public cooperation is essential to maintaining stability and ensuring the effectiveness of ongoing security efforts.
