Curfew imposed in DI Khan, Bannu, and North Waziristan amid heightened threats

Authorities have imposed strict security measures across several districts in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and North Waziristan, in response to the deteriorating security situation and to safeguard public life and property.

In Dera Ismail Khan, the deputy commissioner invoked Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, imposing a complete ban on all movement from 6am to 6 pm.

The restrictions apply to key areas and link roads, including: Tank Road from Tariq Shaheed area to Bhagowal, Kulachi, Hathala, Kot Atal, Garh Abdullah, Link Road Tikwara and Hathala, Link Road Pota Budh, Link Road Kanwari Ghar Mohabbat, Chehkan, Darbari, Pota and Kot Isa Khan.

The order, effective immediately from the previous day, aims to maintain law and order and protect citizens amid ongoing security concerns in the region.

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Meanwhile, in Bannu, the police administration issued a public advisory warning residents of emergency measures due to the precarious security environment.

Citizens have been urged to avoid venturing out on motorcycles, rickshaws, or any vehicles. All residents are instructed to remain indoors immediately and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies to prevent any potential loss of life or property.

The police emphasised that these steps were being taken solely for the protection of citizens and to avert any untoward incidents.

In North Waziristan, a full curfew was announced for Sunday from 5am to 7pm.

The measure was attributed to the movement of security forces. Residents were directed to suspend all routine activities on that day and extend full cooperation to law enforcement agencies. Additionally, a nighttime restriction on public movement remained in place from 12am to 4am, continuing without interruption.

These coordinated restrictions come against the backdrop of persistent security challenges in the merged districts and adjacent areas, where authorities have repeatedly imposed similar measures to enable secure operations by security forces and minimise risks to civilians.

Officials have appealed to the public for complete compliance to ensure the effectiveness of these precautionary steps.