Section 144 Enforced in 13 KP Districts for Chehlum Security

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The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) across 13 districts to maintain public order during Chehlum, the annual commemoration of Imam Hussain’s martyrdom. The restrictions, effective until August 15, apply to Peshawar, Kohat, Hangu, Bannu, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Nowshera, Kurram, Mardan, and Lakki Marwat.

The notification outlines a series of prohibitions aimed at addressing security concerns during this period of heightened public activity. Gatherings of five or more people are banned, along with pillion riding, aerial firing, and the display of weapons. Inflammatory speeches and wall chalking are prohibited. The use of loudspeakers beyond permitted limits and the sale of petroleum products in bottles are also banned. Additional measures include restrictions on tinted vehicle windows and rooftop gatherings along procession routes. Movement restrictions have been placed on Afghan nationals within public spaces of the affected districts. Violators face penalties under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which deals with disobedience to orders issued by public servants.

Officials cited the volatile security environment in the region as a key reason for these restrictions. The measures are intended to ensure peace and security during Chehlum, a period marked by large religious gatherings. Particular attention is focused on areas such as Kurram, which have experienced recent tribal conflicts.

District administrations are responsible for enforcing the order, deploying police and security personnel to monitor processions and public spaces. Entry of outsiders into the affected districts is restricted, and guesthouses are required to register unidentified persons to prevent unauthorized access. To enhance visibility and reduce security risks, farmers have been instructed to clear maize crops within 100 meters of roadside areas, a directive linked to overall security protocols.

The implementation of Section 144 reflects the KP government’s approach to managing public safety during religious events amid complex regional security challenges. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of compliance to ensure the peaceful observance of Chehlum.