Section 144 enters eighth day in Miramshah as operation disrupts daily life

MIRAMSHAH: Restrictions imposed under Section 144 continued in Miramshah for an eighth straight day on Wednesday as an ongoing security operation, a communications shutdown, school closures and limits on movement disrupted normal life across the area.

Traffic remained sparse on the main Miramshah-Bannu Road, while mobile phone and internet services stayed suspended, making it difficult for residents to stay in touch with relatives and business contacts. Residents in some localities also reported problems in securing food and other basic items.

According to official sources, security forces were continuing operations in and around Miramshah, and the restrictions enforced under Section 144 would remain in place until the security situation improved.

Education affected by prolonged closure

Government and private educational institutions in Miramshah have been shut for more than a week, affecting thousands of students. A teacher at a government school, speaking anonymously, said teaching activities and examinations had been badly affected. "Practical examinations and papers for grades 11 and 12 are being cancelled or postponed. Students are losing valuable academic time. Educational opportunities are already limited in the region, and a prolonged closure will further affect their studies," the teacher said.

A teacher at a private school said the suspension of internet services had also removed any chance of shifting to online learning. "In major cities, students at least have access to online classes during disruptions. Here, both mobile and internet services are unavailable, leaving students completely disconnected from education," they added.

Trade slows as communication links remain cut

Local traders said commercial activity had fallen sharply because of the communications blackout and reduced public movement. A shopkeeper in Miramshah Bazaar said markets were open, but customer traffic had thinned significantly as people stayed home and buyers from surrounding areas could not reach the town.

"Markets are open, but business is almost at a standstill. People are staying indoors and customers from surrounding areas are unable to reach the town," he lamented.

Another trader said the internet suspension had also affected digital payments and banking-related work. "Many payments and business transactions now depend on mobile applications and online systems. The absence of internet connectivity has created additional difficulties for traders," he said.

Reports of shortages in nearby village

Residents of Palangzai village on the outskirts of Miramshah said restrictions on movement and disruptions in supply lines had led to shortages of essential commodities, including flour, sugar and vegetables. A local elder said stocks of basic goods in some shops were declining quickly.