PESHAWAR: Authorities in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have enforced Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, prohibiting political gatherings, rallies, processions, protests and the display of weapons to maintain law and order.
Official notifications confirmed that the restrictions had been imposed in Shangla, Buner, Hangu, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Upper Chitral and Lower Chitral.
In Shangla, the district administration has prohibited political rallies, processions, public gatherings and hate speech for 30 days.
Similarly, the deputy commissioner of Buner has imposed a 30-day ban on political gatherings, hate speech and the display of weapons. Authorities warned that legal action would be taken under Section 188 against those violating the restrictions.
The administrations of Hangu, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Upper Chitral and Lower Chitral have also prohibited gatherings of five or more people and unauthorised rallies. Violators will face legal proceedings under the relevant laws.
Authorities in Chitral have additionally ordered the closure of all educational institutions and urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in implementing the restrictions.
Pakistan Army troops deployed in KP
Separately, the federal government has issued a notification authorising the deployment of Pakistan Army troops in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to support the civil administration during the emergency declared on October 11.
The deployment has been approved under Article 245 of the Constitution, with the stated objective of safeguarding citizens’ lives and property, protecting government installations and assisting authorities in maintaining law and order.
According to the notification, the KP governor, in consultation with General Headquarters (GHQ), will determine the number of troops and the resources required for the deployment.
Security tightened in Rawalpindi
Meanwhile, security has been placed on high alert in Rawalpindi and surrounding areas, with police stepping up measures to prevent any disturbance.
Authorities have tightened surveillance at the city’s entry and exit points and deployed additional personnel at key locations. Police also warned that arrests would be made for violations of Section 144
As part of the security measuresplie conducted a special flag march in different parts of the garrison city.
City Police Officer (CPO) Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera also visited several areas to review security arrangements and assess the preparedness of law enforcement personnel.
He said measures to maintain peace and stability were continuing, stressing that authorities would adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards violations of Section 144.
