Bajaur Political Gatherings Banned for 30 Days
Bajaur political gatherings have been banned for 30 days, with authorities in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district citing the law and order situation. The order also bans “hate speech” against the state and the display of arms and weapons.
The district administration imposed the ban on Sunday under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. A notification seen by Dawn said Bajaur Deputy Commissioner Adnan Farid Afridi approved the restrictions to safeguard public life and property and maintain peace in the district.
The ban is the latest in a series of restrictions in the district, which has faced terrorist attacks and security challenges for a long time.
What the Bajaur political gatherings ban covers
The order requires law enforcement agencies to stay more vigilant to avert any “unpleasant mishaps”. It also calls for tighter security at the district’s entry and exit points, and for unauthorised gatherings in public places to be discouraged and disallowed.
“Sufficient grounds exist to believe that immediate preventive measures are required to be taken,” the notification said.
The ban took effect on Sunday, November 15, and will remain in force until December 15, unless it is changed or withdrawn. Anyone who violates the order faces punishment under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Second restriction in Bajaur in two months
This is the second such restriction in Bajaur in recent weeks. In October, the administration banned pillion riding in the district for 10 days, also citing the security situation, as Feature Pakistan reported.
Last month, a police officer was martyred after terrorists attacked a police post in the district, as Feature Pakistan reported. Police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have lost personnel in attacks in Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Bajaur in recent weeks, as Feature Pakistan reported.
Section 144 orders have also been used elsewhere in the country. In October, gatherings were banned in Pishin under the same law, as Feature Pakistan reported.
Security operations continue in KP and Balochistan
The ban comes as security forces press operations in the region. On Friday, the military’s media wing said 74 terrorists had been killed in intelligence-based operations in KP and Balochistan. It said 43 were killed in KP over 48 hours, including 35 in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali and eight in Orakzai district, while 31 were killed in Balochistan in an operation launched on November 3.
The next day, it said four troops, including a major, were martyred and 24 terrorists were killed in multiple operations in Balochistan and North Waziristan, as Feature Pakistan reported.
The operations form the backdrop to the Bajaur order. With political gatherings now suspended, the administration has signalled that it wants no large public meetings while security forces continue their work in the district and across the province.
What happens next
The ban will run until December 15 unless the district administration changes or withdraws it before then. Police and other law enforcement agencies will enforce the order at the district’s entry and exit points and in public places.
Political parties in Bajaur will have to hold off rallies and meetings until the restriction lifts. The administration has not said whether it plans to extend the ban, and any decision is likely to depend on how the security situation develops over the next month.
Frequently asked questions
What has been banned in Bajaur?
All political gatherings, “hate speech” against the state, and the display of arms and weapons have been banned for 30 days.
How long does the ban last?
The ban took effect on Sunday, November 15, and will remain in force until December 15, unless it is changed or withdrawn.
Who approved the ban?
Bajaur Deputy Commissioner Adnan Farid Afridi approved the restrictions under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
What is the punishment for breaking the ban?
Anyone found violating the order faces punishment under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Was there an earlier restriction in Bajaur?
Yes. In October, the district administration banned pillion riding for 10 days, also citing the security situation.
