LAKKI MARWAT: District administration has tightened security measures ahead of Muharram as various restrictions have been imposed in Lakki Marwat district for the peaceful observance of Youm-i-Ashoor.

An official said that deputy commissioner Hameedullah Khan issued a notification using powers vested upon him under Section 144 of Cr.P.C, banning display and carrying of weapons, pillion riding and plying of unregistered bikes and vehicles on roads from 1st to 10th of Muharram.

He said that restrictions had been imposed at the request of district police officer Lakki Marwat to maintain peace and harmony during the holy month.

“The district administration has also banned the use of tinted glasses, standing on the rooftops of buildings and houses along the processions’ routes and Imambargah and staying of strangers in hotels and inns and houses located at the route of processions and the premises of Imambargah”, he maintained.

Sections 144 imposed; police step up operation against miscreants

He said that any other activities as deemed appropriate by the administration would also remain restricted during the first ten days of Muharram.

“The tehsil municipal administrations of Lakki, Serai Naurang, Ghaznikhel and Bettani subdivision have been directed to give a wide publicity to restrictions throughout the district,” maintained the official, adding that the violators will be dealt with under the relevant sections of law.

Meanwhile, local police have accelerated a special offensive against miscreants and anti-state elements in the outskirts of Lakki city as part of the Muharram security plan.

“The operation was launched on the special directives of regional police officer (RPO) Bannu, Rab Nawaz Khan,” district police officer (DPO) Nazir Khan said.

He stated that the objective of the operation was to strengthen the writ of the state and ensure effective implementation of the security plan for Muharram.

According to the DPO, law enforcement personnel demolished hideouts used by terrorists, their facilitators and hardened criminals in Ihsanpur,

Wanda Saeedkhel, Paharkhel Thal, Manjiwala, Gandi Umar Chikar and other rural localities as well as in forested areas along the Kurram and Gambila rivers.

He said commandos of the Elite Force and Rapid Response Force, supported by armoured personnel carriers, assisted local police during the operation. Aerial surveillance was also conducted using modern drone technology.

The police officer added that special checkpoints were established at various locations to monitor and prevent the movement of suspicious individuals.

“Several suspects were detained during the operation and shifted to the respective police stations for preliminary interrogation,” he said.

DPO Nazir Khan maintained that the police were utilising all available resources to maintain law and order, safeguard the lives and property of citizens and ensure the peaceful observance of Muharram.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2026