SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Awami National Party (ANP) on Tuesday urged the government to immediately withdraw a series of security-related restrictions here, insisting that the measures have disrupted life, trade, transportation and economic activities in the tribal district.
Addressing a presser at the Wana District Press Club along with party leaders, ANP Lower South Waziristan district president Ayaz Wazir expressed concern over road blockades, the closure of the Tanai checkpost after 9pm, restrictions on the movement of certain vehicles and alleged occupation of private houses in different areas of the district.
He said the current restrictions had created serious difficulties for local residents, traders, transporters and farmers, urging the authorities to adopt a balanced policy that safeguards public security without unnecessarily affecting the livelihoods and fundamental rights of citizens.
Claims measures have disrupted life, transportation and economic activities in district
Mr Wazir said that a notification issued by the deputy commissioner of Lower South Waziristan under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code several days ago imposed a ban on the movement of Shazor vehicles, loaders, rickshaws and single-cabin pickups due to concerns over possible suicide attacks.
While acknowledging the importance of maintaining law and order, he argued that the restrictions were placing an excessive burden on ordinary citizens and the local business community.
The ANP leader claimed that labourers were increasingly reluctant to travel to orchards where plums, apples and peaches were cultivated because of fears arising from the prevailing security situation.
He said that uncertainty had not only affected daily wage earners but had also caused financial losses to orchard owners and others associated with the agricultural sector.
Mr Wazir said that the district administration and the relevant authorities had earlier assured local representatives that the Azam Warsak-Paley Chowk Road would be reopened to traffic.
He, however, said the road remained closed despite those assurances, causing prolonged inconvenience to residents and disrupting routine travel between different areas.
The ANP leader urged authorities to immediately reconsider the restrictions and allow uninterrupted, round-the-clock movement of vehicles transporting vegetables and fruits through the Tanai checkpost.
He warned that delays at checkpoints were resulting in the spoilage of perishable agricultural produce, inflicting avoidable financial losses on farmers, traders and transport operators and adversely affecting the local economy.
Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2026