MOHMAND/CHARSADDA/BAJAUR: Authorities in Mohmand and Charsadda districts took strict security measures to ensure the peaceful observance of Eidul Azha.

In Mohmand, the district administration has put in place stringent safety and emergency response arrangements, including a five-day ban on firing in the air and the activation of 24/7 control rooms at district and sub-divisional levels.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Yasir Hassan ordered the establishment of a district emergency control room to operate round the clock during Eid holidays.

The facility will coordinate with focal persons nominated from eight departments, including police, health, communication and work’s highways wing, Rescue-1122, PKHA, Provincial Disaster Management Authority, Halal Food Authority and TMAs.

Firing in air banned, 24/7 control rooms activated at district, sub-divisional levels

Officials were directed to remain on duty and ensure immediate response to any incident. The control room can be reached at 0924-290001-02.

A sub-divisional emergency control room was set up at the assistant commissioner’s office in Ekkaghund in Lower Mohmand with the same departments represented on continuous duty. The sub-divisional control room is accessible at the phone number 0924-225109.

In order to maintain public order and prevent accidents, the administration has imposed Section 144 across the district from May 26 to 30.

The order prohibited firing in the air on the eve of and on Eidul Azha as well as the sale and use of toy guns, firecrackers, pressure horns and one-wheeling. Violators will face action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The administration said the measures were in line with provincial directives to safeguard lives and ensure smooth Eid arrangements. All departments have been instructed to publicise the orders widely.

Meanwhile, the Tehsil Municipal Administration of upper Mohmand launched a public awareness campaign to ensure cleanliness and environmental protection during the festival.

According to the deputy commissioner of Mohmand and the TMO of Upper Mohmand, the drive aims to educate citizens on the safe disposal of sacrificial animal waste.

TMA officials said special awareness banners had been displayed across markets, streets and public areas. Residents have been asked not to dump animal offal in open spaces but to collect it in biodegradable bags provided by the administration and place it at designated points for timely collection.

Helpline numbers have also been issued for complaints and information regarding waste collection and cleanliness issues.

Authorities urged residents to cooperate with municipal staff and follow hygiene protocols, stating that maintaining a clean and healthy environment during Eid is a shared responsibility.

In Charsadda, District Police Officer (DPO) Mohammad Waqas Khan said security arrangements had been finalised for Eidul Azha.

He said the police had been placed on high alert to ensure peaceful celebrations and maintain law and order during the religious festival.

According to the district police chief, foolproof security measures had been implemented throughout Charsadda, including strict checking at all entry and exit points, deployment of heavy police contingents at sensitive locations and the formulation of a special traffic management plan to facilitate citizens during Eid holidays.

The DPO said security personnel would be deployed at 188 mosques and 10 Eidgahs across the district where large Eid congregations are expected.

In addition, 34 sensitive locations have been identified where extra security arrangements would remain in place to avert any untoward incident.

Mohammad Waqas Khan said special attention had also been given to tourist and recreational spots likely to witness a rush of visitors during the holidays. Police officials have been deployed at 10 tourist destinations, including Sardaryab, to ensure the safety of families and tourists visiting picnic points during Eid festivities.

He added that snap checking, patrols and surveillance activities had been intensified in urban as well as rural areas, while police personnel would remain on duty round the clock throughout the Eid holidays.

Search and strike operations would also continue in different parts of the district as part of precautionary measures.

The DPO directed all station house officers (SHOs) and supervisory officials to remain present in their respective areas and ensure effective coordination with security personnel deployed for Eid duties.

He said the district police were fully prepared to respond to any emergency situation and appealed to citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace.

Officials said traffic wardens and additional police personnel would be deployed at major markets, bazaars and busy roads to regulate traffic flow and avoid congestion, particularly around cattle markets, shopping centres and Eid prayer venues.

Meanwhile, authorities put the police on high alert across Bajaur tribal district to prevent any act of sabotage during Eid days.

The decision was made during a meeting of senior police officers chaired by district police officer Mohammad Khalid Khan, according to the statement issued by the DPO’s office.

Senior officers, DSPs and SHOs attended the meeting to finalise a security plan for the festival.

Under the plan, around 1,600 personnel will remain on high alert at public places, bazaars, major roads, entry and exit points, and other sensitive areas from Tuesday until the end of Eidul Azha.

The statement read that police would conduct special patrolling on mobile vans and on foot, along with snap checking on major roads.

“Roadblocks and checkpoints will also be established to screen vehicles and people entering the district,” it said.

The statement read that all major mosques and Eidgahs in the urban areas of Khar tehsil would have at least two police personnel deployed outside their gates during the Eid prayers to avoid any act of terrorism on Eid days.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2026