Gatherings in KP's Bajaur, Lakki Marwat, Swabi banned for 30 days, citing law and order situation

BAJAUR/LAKKI MARWAT/SWABI: The district administrations of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur, Lakki Marwat and Swabi on Sunday imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) for a month, banning public gatherings and several other activities amid the prevailing law and order situation.

In Bajaur, the district administration prohibited all kinds of political gatherings, “hate speech” against the state and the display of arms and weapons for 30 days.

The notification formalising the restriction, seen by Dawn, said Bajaur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Adnan Farid Afridi approved the restrictions in view of the law and order situation, citing the need for additional measures to safeguard public life and property and maintain peace.

The notification further stated that law enforcement agencies were required to remain more vigilant to avert any “unpleasant mishaps” while also enhancing security at the district’s entry and exit points and discouraging and disallowing “unauthorised gatherings” in public places.

“Sufficient grounds exist to believe that immediate preventive measures are required to be taken,” the notification added.

The notification stated that the order would come into force on Nov 15 (Sunday) and remain in effect until Dec 15, unless modified or withdrawn.

It warned that anyone found violating the order would be punished under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

In October, authorities banned pillion riding in Bajaur for 10 days, citing the security situation back then as well.

Meanwhile, in Swabi, DC Nasrullah Khan imposed a ban on public gatherings, assemblies, processions, rallies, marches and demonstrations for one month with immediate effect.

The order, dated Sunday, said the preventive measures had become “imperative” to maintain public order and safeguard the lives, safety and security of the general public.

It contended that such gatherings “may expose the general public to serious security risks, endanger human lives and public property, and create opportunities for untoward incidents, thereby disrupting public peace and tranquillity”.

“It is, therefore, necessary to impose appropriate preventive restrictions in the larger public interest to avert any potential threat to human life and property,” the order read. It added that such activities would not be allowed without prior permission of the DC.

In Lakki Marwat, DC Shahid Rafique imposed a month-long ban on public gatherings, processions, rallies, assemblies and marches within the district’s territorial limits.

The order, a copy of which is available with Dawn, also prohibited the display, carrying and possession of all kinds of weapons, pillion riding, and setting up tents or temporary structures and other obstructions on public roads and highways in a manner likely to disturb traffic and public movement.

According to the order, the restrictions were imposed at the request of the district police officer, who had apprehended that such activities could obstruct public movement, disrupt public services and traffic, and disturb peace and tranquillity.

The restrictions will remain in force until Dec 13, unless withdrawn or modified. The notification warned that violators would be dealt with “sternly” under the law.

KP has been witnessing terrorist attacks and security challenges for a long time.

Last month, a police officer was martyred after terrorists attacked a police post in KP’s Bajaur.

On Friday, the military’s media affairs wing said 74 terrorists had been killed in intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in KP and Balochistan. It said 43 terrorists were killed during operations conducted over 48 hours in KP, including 35 in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali and eight in Orakzai district. Another 31 terrorists were killed in Balochistan during an operation launched on Nov 3.

The next day, it said four troops, including a major, were martyred while 24 terrorists were killed in multiple IBOs in Balochistan and KP’s North Waziristan.