Section 144 imposed for a month in four KP districts

Four districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have clamped down on public gatherings for a month. The district administrations of Bajaur, Lakki Marwat, Swabi and Tank imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure on Sunday, citing the law and order situation.

The orders ban a range of public activities, with the exact list varying from district to district.

Bajaur: political gatherings and hate speech barred

Bajaur Deputy Commissioner Adnan Farid Afridi approved a 30-day ban on all political gatherings, hate speech against the state and the display of arms. His notification said additional measures were needed to protect life and property and to maintain peace.

Law enforcement agencies were told to stay more vigilant to avert any "unpleasant mishaps". They were also asked to tighten security at the district's entry and exit points and to stop unauthorised gatherings in public places.

The order takes effect on Sunday, 15 November, and stays in force until 15 December unless it is modified or withdrawn. Anyone who violates it can be punished under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which covers disobedience to an order issued by a public servant.

In October, authorities in Bajaur had separately banned pillion riding for 10 days, again citing the security situation.

Sufficient grounds exist to believe that immediate preventive measures are required to be taken.

Bajaur district administration notification

Swabi and Lakki Marwat: wide-ranging restrictions

In Swabi, Deputy Commissioner Nasrullah Khan banned public gatherings, assemblies, processions, rallies, marches and demonstrations for one month with immediate effect. His order called the preventive steps "imperative" for public order and the safety of citizens. It said no such activity could go ahead without his prior permission.

Lakki Marwat Deputy Commissioner Shahid Rafique imposed a month-long ban on gatherings, processions, rallies, assemblies and marches within the district. The order also prohibits displaying, carrying or possessing weapons, and pillion riding. Tents, temporary structures and other obstructions that could disrupt traffic on public roads and highways are also barred.

According to the order, the restrictions were imposed at the request of the district police officer. He had apprehended that such activities could obstruct movement, disrupt public services and traffic, and disturb peace. The ban runs until 13 December unless withdrawn or modified, and violators will be dealt with "sternly" under the law.

Tank: rallies, pillion riding and weapons covered

Tank Deputy Commissioner Jamshed Khan issued a notification restricting public gatherings, rallies and processions. It also bans pillion riding on motorcycles and the display of weapons. Legal action will be taken against anyone who breaks the restrictions.

Security backdrop

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has faced terrorist attacks and security challenges for a long time. Last month, a police officer was martyred when terrorists attacked a police post in Bajaur.

On Friday, the military's media affairs wing said 74 terrorists had been killed in intelligence-based operations in KP and Balochistan. Of these, 43 were killed in KP over 48 hours: 35 in North Waziristan's Mir Ali and eight in Orakzai. Another 31 were killed in Balochistan during an operation launched on 3 November.

The following day, the military said four troops, including a major, were martyred. It said 24 terrorists were killed in multiple operations in Balochistan and North Waziristan.