On alert: Section 144 imposed across the region ahead of Muharram

Pak-Afghan border in Kurram Agency to be closed from November 11 to 15.

DERA ISMAIL KHAN/ GILGIT/ PESHAWAR/ PARACHINAR: Section 144 has been imposed in various districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit town and Kurram Agency ahead of Muharram. In Peshawar district, precautions began on November 1 and the section will remain enforced till the end of the month.

Parachinar

Arrangements for Muharram were finalised in Kurram Agency and the political administration announced the closure of the Pak-Afghan border for a week.

Political Agent (PA) Riaz Mehsud told journalists that khasadars, levies, Frontier Corps and two platoons of the security forces will maintain security in the agency during Muharram.

“A strict watch will be kept on all entry and exit points leading to the agency and tribal elders have been taken onboard for this purpose,” said PA Mehsud.

The border will remain closed from Muharram 6 to 13, while the Tal-Peshawar Road will also be closed for all traffic on Muharram 10.

Gilgit

SSP Ali Zia told reporters Section 144 had been imposed in Gilgit town and clerics from outside Gilgit-Baltistan have been barred from entering till the end of the religious month. “Procession routes have been digitally mapped to ensure foolproof security for the mourners and 24 CCTV cameras have been installed along the way,” said Zia. At least 11 imambargahs in Gilgit town have been declared “highly sensitive”.

The SSP said security personnel including police, Rangers and scouts have been deployed at key points in the town and community policing is also being introduced.

“At least 200 men have been put on a ‘suspects list’ to keep their activities under watch,” shared SSP Zia.

DI Khan

Deputy Commissioner (DC) DI Khan Waqar Ali Khan chaired a meeting on Tuesday in his office and imposed Section 144 in the district for the maintenance of security.

According to a statement issued by the DC’s office, pillion riding would be banned in DI Khan from Muharram 7 onwards, while motorcycles will be banned on the roads from the 8th to 10th.

Security forces and police have set up joint security check posts and have tightened inspection of those coming to the district from South Waziristan Agency, and Frontier Regions of Tank and DI Khan.

A state of emergency will be declared at DI Khan Headquarters and Teaching Hospital and all medical staff will remain on duty during Muharram. Rented houses and private student hostels will remain under scrutiny and educational institutes will be closed on important days of the holy month. Non-governmental organisations have been asked to suspend activities till November 20.

Kohat

According to a handout issued by the regional information office of Kohat, DC Amjid Ali Khan imposed Section 144 in Kohat. In doing so, wall chalking, pillion riding, controversial  speeches, gatherings of five or more persons, public display of arms, and the sale of petrol-filled canisters have been banned till Muharram 20.

Meanwhile, a ban was also imposed on majalis and other mourning activities in Zohra House, Kohat Development Authority till Muharram 11. Anyone found violating the law will be punished under Section 188 of the PPC.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th,2013.