MIRAMSHAH, May 20: The political administration on Friday stepped up security measures after unidentified people distributed pamphlets in the town, asking tribesmen to keep their businesses closed after Asr prayers and on Fridays, and warning them of consequences if they violated the ‘directive’.

The paramilitary forces set up checkpoints on all routes to the main bazaar in Miramshah and started digging trenches along the roads. The pamphlets written in Pushto and purportedly distributed by sympathizers of tribal militants and Al Qaeda carried sketches of hand-grenades, rockets and the flag of a religious party.

According to one pamphlet, those who opened their shops and other businesses from Friday morning to Saturday morning would be responsible for any loss to their lives and properties. The commandant of Tochi Scouts, Waheed Bangash, and political tehsildar Iftikhar Ahmad reviewed security arrangements.

An official told journalists that the security forces and the political authorities had taken concrete steps to improve the law and order situation in the North Waziristan Agency and asked people not to pay heed to threats.

He said the authorities had established eight checkpoints between Saidgi area and Lawara Mandi and added that the border with Afghanistan had been sealed to check cross-border movement.