Section 144 Imposed in DI Khan, Pillion Riding Banned
The Dera Ismail Khan district administration has imposed Section 144 across the district, banning pillion riding, public gatherings, rallies and processions until November 11.
Deputy Commissioner Hikmatullah issued the order on October 13. It took effect immediately and cites law and order concerns in the southern KP district. The order stays in force until November 11, unless it is withdrawn or modified by the competent authority before that date.
What the order bans
The notification prohibits meetings, processions, rallies and gatherings that could disturb public order, disrupt traffic or obstruct the movement of citizens. It also restricts the display of weapons and the installation of tents and temporary structures on public roads.
Violations will be dealt with under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which punishes disobedience of an order issued by a public servant.
Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure empowers district administrations to prohibit public gatherings and the open display of weapons when they judge a threat to public peace exists.
Part of a wider pattern
DI Khan is the latest district to be placed under such restrictions. Similar orders have been issued in Karachi (till October 20), in Rawalpindi district (for 30 days), and province-wide in Punjab until October 15, where the Home Department cited serious threats to public peace and safety.
The back-to-back orders reflect a tense security environment. DI Khan itself has seen repeated militant activity in recent weeks, including a firing incident that killed four FBR personnel and a policeman, and an IBO in which three terrorists were killed on Monday.
The order also comes days after the federal government imposed an emergency and governor’s rule in KP on October 11, citing the province’s deteriorating law and order. The PTI has challenged the move in the Peshawar High Court, calling October 11 a black day for democracy.
Related:
- Section 144 in Rawalpindi: One-Month Ban on Gatherings
- Section 144 Imposed in Karachi Till October 20
- Containers Block Roads in Peshawar Amid KP Emergency
- Four FBR Personnel, Cop Killed in DI Khan Firing
Frequently asked questions
How long will Section 144 stay in DI Khan?
The order runs until November 11, nearly a month from its October 13 issuance.
What exactly is banned?
Pillion riding, public gatherings, rallies, processions, display of weapons and installation of tents or temporary structures on public roads.
What is the punishment for violation?
Violators face action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which covers disobedience of a lawful order.
Which other areas have similar bans?
Karachi (till Oct 20), Rawalpindi district (30 days) and all of Punjab (till Oct 15) are under comparable Section 144 orders.
Can the DI Khan order be lifted early?
Yes. The notification says it remains in force until November 11 unless withdrawn or modified by the competent authority before that date.
Why is pillion riding banned?
Pillion riding bans are a standard security measure in Pakistan, used to prevent drive-by shootings and militant attacks involving two-wheelers.
