Section 144 Imposed in South Waziristan Districts Amid Security Concerns

By Tahir Shah :

Authorities have imposed Section 144 in South Waziristan Upper and South Waziristan Lower districts, restricting movement and closing markets during daytime hours due to rising security threats and to facilitate logistics for security forces, officials confirmed Thursday.

The restrictions took effect Thursday morning and will remain in place daily from 6am to 6pm, with authorities citing the need to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and enable uninterrupted operational movement of security personnel.

South Waziristan Upper Restrictions

South Waziristan Upper Deputy Commissioner Asmatullah Wazir confirmed that Section 144 has been enforced in the tehsils of Sarwekai and Sararogha. During the twelve-hour restriction period, all movement is strictly prohibited, and all markets and commercial centres will remain closed.

Affected routes include Makin, Sararogha, Kot Kai, and Spinkai Raghzai up to Nazar Khel. Additionally, the route from Dargai Bridge through Madi Jan, Sheen Warsak, and Moley Khan Sarai to Chagmalai will also remain closed to all traffic.

Officials have instructed residents to stop their vehicles at least fifty metres before approaching security forces and to ensure that all passengers exit the vehicle if required. The deputy commissioner emphasised that violators will be held personally accountable and that strict compliance with security directives is mandatory.

South Waziristan Lower Measures

South Waziristan Lower Deputy Commissioner Musarat Zaman announced that Section 144 has also been enforced in various parts of Wana, with the same daily restrictions from 6am to 6pm prohibiting all non-essential movement.

Restricted routes include Wana, Taiarza Gate, Karb Kot, Tanai, and Azizabad Chowk up to Dargai Bridge. Movement is only allowed for emergency purposes with prior permission from police or security forces and requires submission of valid identification and travel documents.

The deputy commissioner urged citizens to strictly adhere to security instructions and avoid non-essential travel, warning that any violation will be the sole responsibility of the individual concerned.

Public Safety Focus

Officials stressed that these measures are essential to maintain sustainable peace, support security operations, and ensure the safety of residents. During Section 144 enforcement in both districts, only approved emergency movement will be permitted.

Citizens have been advised to cooperate fully with security forces, remain patient, and avoid any activities that may compromise public safety. Markets, shops, and commercial centres will remain closed throughout the restriction period to maintain law and order.

The imposition of Section 144 comes amid heightened security alerts and follows a series of terrorist attacks that have martyred numerous security personnel across the region in recent weeks.