Section 144 imposed in Lakki Marwat, Bannu for one month amid security concerns

District authorities warn violations will be punishable under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code

PESHAWAR:

Authorities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts imposed Section 144 for one month, banning public gatherings, protests, and several other activities, citing concerns over the law and order situation, emerged on Sunday.

In separate notifications issued on November 14 and 15, the deputy commissioners of the two districts said the restrictions were necessary to maintain public peace and prevent disruptions to traffic and the movement of people.

In Lakki Marwat, Deputy Commissioner Shahid Rafique imposed the restrictions from November 14 to December 13, citing a report from the district police officer about the prevailing law and order situation and the possibility of public gatherings, processions and marches.

The notification said such activities were likely to “obstruct the free movement of the general public, disrupt public services and traffic, disturb peace and tranquility”.

The order prohibited public gatherings, processions, rallies, assemblies and marches likely to disturb public peace, as well as pillion riding and the display, carrying or possession of all kinds of weapons.

Read: Security forces kill 74 terrorists in K-P, Balochistan operations: ISPR

It also banned the erection or use of tents and temporary structures on public roads, highways and other public places where they could obstruct movement or traffic.

The notification further prohibited any activity likely to “obstruct public free movement, disrupt essential services, endanger public safety, and disturb public peace”.

In Bannu, Deputy Commissioner Ziaur-Rehman imposed Section 144 from November 15 to December 13, also citing concerns raised by the district police officer over the law and order situation.

The notification said public gatherings and processions could disrupt the movement of people and traffic and affect the maintenance of law and order.

The restrictions in Bannu included a ban on pillion riding, the use of tinted vehicle windows, brandishing of weapons, public gatherings for protests, and the use of loudspeakers on roads.

The order also prohibited setting up tents or placing obstructions on public roads, highways, and other public places that could hinder traffic.

Both notifications warned that violations would be punishable under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Read more: Two soldiers martyred, 16 terrorists killed in K-P operations: ISPR

Recent attacks have heightened security concerns across K-P, where police and security personnel have increasingly come under attack. On November 11, 10 police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, were martyred and 18 terrorists were killed after a police team came under attack in Kohat district.

Two days later, four terrorists were killed when Bannu police repulsed an attack on the Kingar Pul checkpoint.

In separate intelligence-based operations in North Waziristan on November 14, two soldiers were martyred and 16 terrorists, including two Afghan nationals, were killed.

The security situation has deteriorated over the past two years, with terrorist incidents in the province increasing by 195 per cent between March 2024 and September 2026, according to reports presented to the federal cabinet.