Islamabad, February 26 – The district administration in Pakistan imposed Section 144 in the Upper and Lower Waziristan districts on Thursday due to rising security concerns and to facilitate the movement of logistics. Officials said the decision was taken to ensure the safety of people, maintain law and order, and facilitate the operational movement of security personnel, as reported by leading Pakistani media.
Deputy Commissioner of Upper Waziristan, Asmatullah Wazir, stated that Section 144 has been imposed in the tehsils of Sarvekai and Sararogha from 6 am to 6 pm (local time). During this period, road travel will be restricted, and all markets and commercial centers will remain closed, as reported by Dawn, Pakistan's leading daily.
The affected routes include Sararogha, Kot Kai, Makin, and Spinkai Raghzai up to Nazar Khel. Furthermore, the route from Dargai Bridge through Madi Jan, Sheen Warsak, and Moley Khan Sarai to Chagmalai will also be closed.
Deputy Commissioner of Lower Waziristan, Musarat Zaman, stated that Section 144 has been imposed in various parts of Wana. The curfew, which will remain in effect from 6 am to 6 pm, restricts all non-essential movement. The curfew has been enforced in response to security threats and the movement of security forces.
Officials stated that restricted routes include Taiarza Gate, Karb Kot, Tanai, Wana, and Azizabad Chowk up to Dargai Bridge. People can only move on the road for emergency purposes with prior permission from the police or security forces, and with the submission of valid identification and travel documents.
Zaman urged people to follow security instructions and avoid non-essential travel. He stated that any violation would be the responsibility of the individual concerned, as reported by Dawn.
During the enforcement of Section 144 in both districts, only approved movement will be allowed, and citizens have been advised to cooperate with security forces.
The South Waziristan region has been experiencing a worsening security situation in recent months, along with an increase in terrorist activities across the province.