Section 144 Imposed in Parts of Upper and Lower South Waziristan Amid Security Concerns

SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Authorities in Upper South Waziristan and Lower South Waziristan districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have enforced Section 144 in multiple areas on Monday, citing security concerns and the movement of security forces.

According to separate notifications issued by the deputy commissioners of both Upper and Lower South Waziristan, restrictions have been placed on public movement in specified areas, while several key routes have been temporarily closed to facilitate the smooth passage of security forces and logistical convoys.

Lower South Waziristan Deputy Commissioner Musarrat Zaman stated that Section 144 will remain in effect from 6am to 6pm on Monday. He said the measures were taken as a precaution in light of prevailing security concerns in and around Wana and nearby localities.

The district administration announced the temporary closure of several key routes, including Wana-Tiarza Road, Karab Kot, Azizabad Chowk, Dargai and the route leading to Toi Khula Gul Kach. Authorities said all forms of movement on these roads would remain restricted during the specified period.

Zaman urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly comply with the instructions issued by the district administration and law enforcement agencies. He emphasised that the measures had been taken in the larger interest of public safety and regional security.

Meanwhile, Upper South Waziristan’s DC Irfan Ali imposed Section 144 in the subdivisions of Sararogha and Servekai. Under the restrictions, public movement in certain sensitive areas has been prohibited for the duration of the order.

According to the district administration, the restrictions were introduced due to security-related concerns and to facilitate the safe transportation of logistical supplies for security forces operating in the region.

Several major roads and routes in Upper South Waziristan have also been closed, including those linking Ladha, Makeen, Kotkai, Spinkai Raghzai and Nazar Khel. Additional restrictions have been placed on routes passing through Asman Manza, Kaniguram, Karama to Kotkai, Dargai Bridge, Madi Jan, Moley Khan Sarai and Chagmalai.

The commuters were advised to use alternative routes where available and cooperate fully with security personnel deployed across the affected areas.

The deputy commissioners of both districts also issued public safety advisories, directing motorists to maintain a minimum distance of 50 metres from security forces’ vehicles. Citizens were warned not to obstruct the movement of official convoys or engage in activities that could compromise ongoing security arrangements.

Authorities said the temporary restrictions were necessary to maintain law and order, ensure public safety and facilitate security operations in the region.

The district administrations also appealed to residents to cooperate with security forces, police and civil authorities, rely only on verified information from official sources and refrain from spreading rumours. Officials expressed hope that public cooperation would contribute to maintaining peace and stability and help ensure the successful implementation of security measures across both districts.