District administrations in Lower and Upper South Waziristan imposed Section 144 on Saturday, restricting movement in several areas and shutting markets and major routes. Officials said the measures were taken over security concerns and to ensure the safe movement of logistical supplies for security forces.
Lower South Waziristan Deputy Commissioner Musarrat Zaman and Upper South Waziristan Deputy Commissioner Irfan Ali issued separate notifications on Friday evening. In Lower South Waziristan, restrictions covered Wana Bazaar, the Wana Bypass and other localities, with movement barred on routes through Wana, Tiarza Gate, Karab Kot, Tanai, Azizabad Chowk and Dargai Bridge. Roads linking Gul Kach with Toi Khullah and Tanai were also closed.
In Upper South Waziristan, the order applied to Servekai and Sararogha tehsils and nearby areas, where markets and commercial centres were told to close. Entry was banned on routes towards Ladha, Makeen, Sararogha, Nazar Khel, Madi Jan, Sheen Warsak and Jandola, among others.
Both notifications allow emergency travel with prior permission from the police or security forces, and polio teams may move after verifying their identities. Motorists were told to stop at least 50 metres away on seeing security forces. The administrations warned that violators would face legal action and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel.