Maintaining peace: Section 144 imposed ahead of Nauroz

Ban imposed on pillion-riding, large gatherings, carrying of weapons

DI KHAN: Section 144 has been imposed in DI Khan to maintain law and order ahead of Nauroz, stated a notification issued by the deputy commissioner’s office on Saturday.

According to the document, there will be a ban on carrying and displaying weapons. A similar ban has been imposed on the publication of religious or sectarian content. In addition, over five people cannot gather in a public space.

“On March 19 and 20, there will be a ban on pillion-ridding, while motorcycle riding will be prohibited altogether from 6am to 6pm on March 21,” read the document. “Security arrangements around judicial and educational buildings will be tightened.”

Door-to-door

The imposition of Section 144 comes after a meeting of DI Khan Commissioner Akhtar Nazeer, DIG Abdul Ghaffar Afridi and other officials. Search and strike operations will also be launched in the district.

On Saturday, security forces, including the Pakistan Army and the police, conducted an operation and arrested 13 suspects.

There was a door-to-door operation that was carried out between 5am and 9am in Musa Town. The residential area lies close to DI Khan City, a police official confirmed.

During the crackdown, security forces also seized a shot gun, a 12-bore rifle, VD Rifle, a 30-bore pistol and ammunition.

Combined responsibility

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Nazeer said it is “the combined responsibility” of the district administration, police and government institutions to maintain peace and ensure stability. “Therefore, there is need to increase coordination among different government institutions,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 20^th, 2016.