23 February 2004	Monday	02 Muharram 1425

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Feb 22: Political authorities of the South Waziristan Agency have sealed business and property of Zalikhel, a sub-tribe of Ahmedzai Wazir, in Dera Ismail Khan district under the collective responsibility law for failing to hand over tribesmen wanted for providing shelter to Al Qaeda and Taliban fugitives.

The action was initiated on Saturday evening under section 21 of the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), which empowered the political authorities to arrest tribesmen and seal their business and property for failing to comply with administration's orders. The property, sealed in Dera Ismail Khan, included a hotel, a petrol pump and shops.

SECURITY HEIGHTENED: The law enforcement agencies have adopted strict security arrangements to maintain law and order in the area during Muharram.

Personnel of army, Frontier Constabulary and police started joint patrolling in sensitive parts of Dera Ismail Khan. Police also sealed all entry and exit points of the city and security was enhanced around imambargahs and mosques. Pillion-riding has already been banned by the administration to ensure smooth law and order.