Section 144 imposed in Upper and Lower South Waziristan, markets shut

The district administrations of Lower and Upper South Waziristan imposed Section 144 restrictions for Saturday, limiting movement in several areas and closing markets and major routes, citing security concerns and the movement of logistical supplies for security forces, Dawn reported.

Lower South Waziristan Deputy Commissioner Musarrat Zaman and Upper South Waziristan Deputy Commissioner Irfan Ali issued separate notifications on Friday evening setting out limits on public movement, access to designated roads and other activities in the affected areas.

Lower South Waziristan

The notification from the Lower South Waziristan administration enforced Section 144 in Wana Bazaar, the Wana Bypass and several other localities. The restrictions were imposed in view of security concerns and to allow the safe transport of logistical supplies for security forces.

It banned movement on a number of routes, including those through Wana, Tiarza Gate, Karab Kot, Tanai, Azizabad Chowk and Dargai Bridge. Entry onto the roads linking Gul Kach with Toi Khullah and Tanai was also strictly barred.

The administration said travel on the affected routes would be allowed only in emergencies and with prior permission from the police or security forces. Residents were told to avoid unnecessary movement and follow the instructions. Motorists were directed to stop their vehicles at least 50 metres away on seeing security forces, and anyone breaking the restrictions would be held responsible under the law.

Upper South Waziristan

In Upper South Waziristan, the administration imposed Section 144 in Servekai and Sararogha tehsils and several adjoining areas, for similar security reasons, in particular the transport of logistical supplies for security forces. It also ordered markets and commercial centres in the affected areas to close.

Entry was prohibited on several routes, including those leading to Ladha, Makeen, Sararogha and Nazar Khel, and on roads to Dargai Bridge, Madi Jan, Sheen Warsak and Jandola. Other routes affected include those through Servekai, Moley Khan Sarai, Barwand, Asman Manza and Torwam. Residents were told not to travel through the restricted areas until permitted by the relevant authorities.

Travel in emergencies was allowed, subject to permission from the police or security forces and verification of identity documents. Motorists were told to stop at least 50 metres from security forces, and all occupants were told to get out of the vehicle, Dawn said.

Exemption for polio teams

The notification made special provision for polio workers and vaccination teams. They are allowed to move through the affected areas after establishing their identities.

What Section 144 is

Section 144 empowers district administrations to restrict certain activities and public movement in specified circumstances. Both administrations asked residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, follow official instructions and avoid unnecessary travel on restricted routes. People who need to travel in an emergency were advised to seek permission from the relevant authorities first.

The security context

The orders come amid heightened security concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). President Asif Ali Zardari imposed an emergency and governor’s rule in the province on October 11 after a surge in terrorist attacks, and Field Marshal Asim Munir said on Friday that the armed forces would continue their campaign against what the ISPR calls Indian-sponsored terrorist outfits. Read our reports on the field marshal’s statement and on Rana Sanaullah’s warning about operations in sensitive areas.

Neither notification gave details of the supply movements or of how long the restrictions would last beyond Saturday, and the administrations said only that the measures were meant to facilitate security arrangements during the transport of supplies.

Why it matters

Closing markets and main roads for a day affects traders, travellers and families who rely on daily trade in Wana and Sararogha, even if emergency travel and polio campaigns are exempt. Whether the restrictions are repeated on later days has not been announced. The administrations’ notices to residents, and whether the restrictions are lifted on Sunday, will show how long this round of limits lasts.

This article draws on reporting by Dawn.