Section 144 enforced in parts of South Waziristan over security concerns

SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Authorities in Upper and Lower South Waziristan imposed Section 144 in several areas on Monday, citing security concerns and the movement of security forces, according to separate notifications issued by the deputy commissioners of the two districts.

The orders placed restrictions on public movement in designated locations and temporarily shut a number of roads to facilitate the movement of security personnel and logistical convoys. Officials said the measures were intended to support security operations, maintain law and order and protect the public.

Restrictions in Lower South Waziristan

Lower South Waziristan Deputy Commissioner Musarrat Zaman said Section 144 would remain in effect from 6am to 6pm on Monday. The administration said the restrictions were imposed as a precaution in light of the prevailing security situation in and around Wana and nearby areas.

Authorities announced the temporary closure of Wana-Tiarza Road, Karab Kot, Azizabad Chowk, Dargai and the route leading to Toi Khula Gul Kach. All movement on these roads was to remain restricted during the notified period. Zaman asked residents to avoid unnecessary travel and follow instructions issued by the district administration and law enforcement agencies, saying the steps were taken in the broader interest of public safety and regional security.

Upper South Waziristan measures

In Upper South Waziristan, Deputy Commissioner Irfan Ali imposed Section 144 in the Sararogha and Servekai subdivisions. The district administration said public movement in certain sensitive areas had been barred for the duration of the order because of security-related concerns and to ensure the safe transport of supplies for security forces operating in the region.

Road closures in the district included routes linking Ladha, Makeen, Kotkai, Spinkai Raghzai and Nazar Khel. Additional restrictions were placed on roads passing through Asman Manza, Kaniguram, Karama to Kotkai, Dargai Bridge, Madi Jan, Moley Khan Sarai and Chagmalai. Officials advised commuters to use alternate routes where possible and cooperate with deployed security personnel.

Public advisories and wider backdrop

The deputy commissioners of both districts also issued safety instructions for the public, directing motorists to keep a distance of at least 50 metres from vehicles of the security forces. Citizens were also told not to obstruct official convoys or engage in any activity that could affect ongoing security arrangements. The administrations urged residents to cooperate with security forces, police and civil authorities, rely only on verified official information and avoid spreading rumours.

The restrictions come amid a broader security situation in which, after two months of improvement, conditions across Pakistan worsened sharply in May 2026, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. The report attributed the deterioration mainly to increased militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

As those provinces continue to face militancy, with attacks often directed at security personnel and law enforcement, the state has stepped up counterterrorism operations. The Inter-Services Public Relations said on Saturday that 21 terrorists had been killed within 72 hours in intelligence-based operations in North Waziristan. Earlier, on June 2, the district administration imposed Section 144 for an indefinite period in the Miranshah subdivision, restricting movement and traffic because of security concerns. Separately, elders at a peace jirga on Wednesday voiced concern over a rise in kidnapping for ransom, targeted killings, bomb blasts and other violence in South Waziristan.