Section 144 Enforced in South Waziristan Amid Security Alert

Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa imposed Section 144 in parts of Upper South Waziristan and Lower South Waziristan on Monday as security concerns prompted temporary restrictions on public movement. The measures were announced by district administrations in both areas to support the movement of security forces and official convoys.

Officials said the restrictions were applied in selected sensitive locations where movement could create security risks or disrupt ongoing arrangements. Several routes were temporarily closed, and residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel until the restrictions were lifted or revised by the local administration.

In Lower South Waziristan, the administration said Section 144 would remain in force from 6am to 6pm on Monday. The order affected routes around Wana and adjoining areas, including roads linked with Tiarza, Karab Kot, Azizabad Chowk, Dargai and Toi Khula Gul Kach.

Lower South Waziristan Deputy Commissioner Musarrat Zaman urged residents to follow official instructions and cooperate with police, security personnel and civil authorities. He said the decision had been taken as a precautionary step to protect public safety and maintain order during the movement of security convoys.

In Upper South Waziristan, Deputy Commissioner Irfan Ali issued restrictions for Sararogha and Servekai subdivisions. Officials said the curbs were necessary because security-related movement and logistical transportation required controlled routes in areas considered vulnerable to disruption.

The affected areas included roads linking Ladha, Makeen, Kotkai, Spinkai Raghzai and Nazar Khel, along with routes passing through Asman Manza, Kaniguram, Karama, Dargai Bridge, Madi Jan, Moley Khan Sarai and Chagmalai. Commuters were told to use alternative routes where possible and avoid creating obstruction near official vehicles.

Public advisories also instructed motorists to maintain at least a 50-metre distance from security forces’ vehicles. Citizens were warned against blocking convoy movement, gathering near sensitive locations or spreading unverified information that could create panic in the region.

The restrictions come amid a wider deterioration in the security environment in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Security operations have intensified in former tribal districts after a rise in militant activity, targeted attacks, kidnappings and bombings reported by local communities and monitoring groups.

For residents of South Waziristan, the immediate impact is disruption to daily mobility, local business activity and access to transport routes. However, officials argue that such temporary measures are needed to prevent security incidents and ensure that logistical operations are completed without exposing civilians to avoidable danger.

The next phase will depend on security assessments by district authorities and law enforcement agencies. If conditions stabilise, restrictions may be lifted in affected areas, but continued threats could lead to further temporary controls as the government attempts to balance public safety with routine civilian movement.