Pakistan Imposes Section 144 in South Waziristan Amid Heightened Security Alert

Islamabad- Authorities in Pakistan have enforced Section 144 in South Waziristan (Upper and Lower districts) in response to escalating security concerns and to facilitate the movement of security and logistics convoys, officials said on Thursday.

According to local administration officials, the restrictions aim to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and enable the smooth operational movement of security forces. As per reports in Dawn, the prohibitory orders will remain in force from 6 am to 6 pm (local time).

South Waziristan Upper Deputy Commissioner Asmatullah Wazir stated that Section 144 has been imposed in the Sarvekai and Sararogha tehsils. During the restricted hours, all road movement will be suspended, while markets and commercial establishments will remain closed. Several key routes, including Sararogha, Kot Kai, Makin and Spinkai Raghzai up to Nazar Khel, have been sealed. In addition, the road from Dargai Bridge via Madi Jan, Sheen Warsak and Moley Khan Sarai to Chagmalai will remain closed.

Similarly, South Waziristan Lower Deputy Commissioner Musarat Zaman announced the imposition of Section 144 in multiple areas of Wana. The curfew restricts all non-essential movement and has been enforced in view of security threats and the movement of security personnel. Affected routes include Taiarza Gate, Karb Kot, Tanai, Wana and Azizabad Chowk up to Dargai Bridge.

Authorities have clarified that movement during the curfew period will only be permitted in emergencies, subject to prior approval from police or security agencies, along with valid identification and travel documents. Zaman urged residents to strictly comply with security directives, warning that violations would be the sole responsibility of those concerned.

Officials added that only authorised movement will be allowed during the enforcement period and appealed to citizens to cooperate fully with security forces. The South Waziristan region has witnessed a deteriorating security situation in recent months, with a noticeable rise in militant and terrorist activities across the province.

With inputs from IANS