Bajaur Admin Imposes Section 144 to Bolster Security Across District

BAJAUR: The district administration of Bajaur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has enforced Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure across the region to ensure public order and mitigate potential security threats, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The preventive measure places an immediate ban on public gatherings, rallies, the display of firearms, and the use of loudspeakers, aiming to safeguard peaceful citizens and protect critical infrastructure across the border district.

According to an official notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner’s office, the decision was taken following threat intelligence reports highlighting heightened security risks and potential disruptions to civic peace in the tribal area. Law enforcement agencies, including the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and Frontier Corps, have been instructed to strictly enforce the directives and initiate immediate legal action against violators under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Security checkpoints across key entry and exit points of the district have also been reinforced with additional personnel.

The imposition of Section 144 comes amid a broader pattern of security interventions across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s merged districts, where localized security challenges and political unrest have periodically threatened public peace. While local business communities and residents acknowledge the necessity of proactive safety measures, civic groups have urged the administration to ensure that daily commercial activities, educational institutions, and essential movements remain largely unhindered during the restriction period.

District authorities confirmed that the emergency order will remain in effect for an initial period of 15 days, with the possibility of extension depending on ongoing security evaluations by law enforcement command centers. Citizens have been advised to cooperate fully with security personnel during routine check-ups and to report any suspicious activity to the local administration immediately.