Section 144 imposed in DI Khan for 30 days amid security concerns

The Dera Ismail Khan (DIK) district administration imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) for 30 days, banning public gatherings, rallies, processions and pillion riding on motorcycles until November 11, according to an order issued by Deputy Commissioner Hakmatullah, which emerged on Wednesday.

The restrictions also covered the display, carrying and possession of weapons, as well as the erection or use of tents, temporary structures and other obstructions on public roads, highways and other public places where they could impede public movement or traffic.

The order was issued following a request from the district police officer (DPO), DIK, dated October 13, citing the prevailing law and order situation and the likelihood that public gatherings, processions and marches could obstruct the movement of the general public, disrupt traffic and essential services, and disturb public peace and tranquillity.

The deputy commissioner said he was satisfied that sufficient grounds existed to invoke Section 144 CrPC and that immediate preventive measures were necessary to avert danger to human life, public safety and public order.

Under the order, public gatherings, assemblies, processions, rallies and marches likely to disturb public peace and tranquillity were prohibited throughout the territorial jurisdiction of DIK district. Pillion riding on motorcycles was also banned as a preventive measure in view of the prevailing law and order situation.

The order further restricted the display, carrying or possession of weapons in accordance with the relevant legal provisions and applicable restrictions. It also prohibited the erection or use of tents, temporary structures or other obstructions on public roads, highways and other public places where these could impede public movement or traffic.

In addition, the administration banned any other activity likely to obstruct public movement, disrupt traffic or essential services, endanger public safety, or disturb public peace and tranquillity.

The notification stated that the order would take effect immediately and remain in force for 30 days, from October 13 to November 11, 2026, unless withdrawn or modified.

“Any person contravening this order shall be proceeded against under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code,” the notification stated.

Section 144 of the CrPC empowers a district administration to issue preventive orders restricting certain activities when immediate action is necessary to prevent danger to human life, public safety or public order.

DIK has faced a series of deadly attacks in recent weeks. On September 26, a suicide bombing at a joint checkpoint near Aman Mela in Darazinda killed at least 12 people and injured 35 others, with two Rescue 1122 personnel later killed when their ambulance came under fire while transporting victims. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack.

On October 7, five people, including two Federal Board of Revenue officials, were killed in separate firing incidents in the district.

Against this backdrop of escalating security concerns, an emergency was imposed in DIK and 11 other districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on October 11 under Article 232 of the Constitution, alongside governor’s rule in the province.