MIRAMSHAH, June 10: The district administration has imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure – the law regulating the maintenance of public order – in North Waziristan tribal district in view of the existing law and order situation in the area, it emerged on Monday.
An order imposing Section 144, issued by Abdul Nasir Khan, the Deputy Commissioner of North Waziristan, citing “public interest” and dated June 8 has taken effect for 30 days.
According to the order, the district police officer of North Waziristan reported that due to the “current law and order situation, threats of militancy and other sabotage activities are expected in the district in case of dharnas (sit-ins), protest rallies, jalsas (public meetings) and public gathering[s] of five or more persons”.
In order to prevent any “untoward situation”, it was imperative to impose a complete ban on dharnas, protest rallies, jalsas and public gatherings of five or more people, the order stated.
According to the DC, the order will be applicable to the entire district and anyone who fails to comply could be punished under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The order will not apply to congregational prayers in mosques and at funerals.-Sabah
