Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district have imposed a 30-day ban on political gatherings, hate speech against the state and the public display of arms, citing security concerns and the prevailing law and order situation.
The restrictions were imposed under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) through an official notification issued by the district administration on Sunday, November 15, 2026.
According to the notification, Bajaur Deputy Commissioner Adnan Farid Afridi approved the measures to protect public life and property and maintain peace across the district.
Political Gatherings and Public Displays of Arms Banned
Under the new restrictions, all kinds of political gatherings have been prohibited in Bajaur for 30 days.
The order also bans hate speech against the state and the display of arms and weapons in public.
The district administration said preventive measures were necessary in view of the security situation and the potential risk of incidents that could threaten public safety.
Law enforcement agencies have been directed to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to prevent any untoward incidents.
Security Increased at Entry and Exit Points
The notification also directs law enforcement agencies to strengthen security arrangements across the district.
Authorities have been instructed to increase vigilance at Bajaur’s entry and exit points as part of efforts to monitor movement and prevent potential security threats.
The administration has also ordered measures to discourage and prevent unauthorised gatherings in public places.
According to the notification, sufficient grounds existed to introduce immediate preventive restrictions to maintain public order and protect residents.
Ban Remains Effective Until December 15
The restrictions came into force on November 15 and will remain effective until December 15, 2026, unless the authorities modify or withdraw the order earlier.
The administration has warned that anyone violating the restrictions will face legal action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
The provision deals with disobedience of an order lawfully promulgated by a public servant.
The district administration has not announced any specific exemptions or further details regarding the enforcement arrangements.
Previous Security Restrictions in Bajaur
This is not the first time authorities have introduced restrictions in Bajaur over security concerns.
In October 2026, the district administration imposed a 10-day ban on pillion riding, citing the prevailing security situation.
The latest order introduces wider restrictions, covering political gatherings, hate speech against the state and the public display of weapons.
Bajaur has faced recurring security challenges and terrorist attacks, adding to concerns about public safety and law enforcement in the district.
Last month, a police officer was martyred after terrorists attacked a police post in Bajaur.
Recent Security Operations in KP and Balochistan
The new restrictions come amid continued security operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
On Friday, the military’s media affairs wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), reported that 74 terrorists had been killed during intelligence-based operations in the two provinces.
According to the military’s statement, 43 terrorists were killed in operations conducted over 48 hours in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These included 35 in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, and eight in Orakzai district.
The remaining 31 were reportedly killed during an operation in Balochistan that began on November 3.
In a separate statement issued the following day, ISPR said four security personnel, including a major, had been martyred while 24 terrorists were killed during multiple intelligence-based operations in Balochistan and North Waziristan.
These developments highlight the security challenges facing the region as authorities continue operations and introduce preventive measures in affected districts.
Authorities Focus on Maintaining Public Order
The 30-day restrictions in Bajaur are intended to prevent activities that authorities believe could create security risks or disturb public peace.
The district administration has directed law enforcement agencies to remain alert and strengthen security arrangements during the period.
Residents and political groups in the district will be required to follow the restrictions until December 15, unless the order is changed or withdrawn before that date.
Also read: Federal Government Approves Pakistan Army Deployment in KP
