LAKKI MARWAT: Deputy commissioner Rahmat Ali Wazir has banned holding of unauthorised public gatherings and rallies for a period of one month in the Lakki Marwat district over security threats.

       An official said on Monday that the restriction had been imposed following intelligence reports that suicide bombers could target election rallies and political leaders.

       He said that the district administration had received a letter from district police officer about the critical law and order situation and threat reports and alerts regarding suicide blasts and targeting of political leaders.

       “The election activities are at peak with corner meetings, power shows and public gatherings taking place without implementing security guidelines by political parties and poll aspirants,” he maintained.

       The official underlined the need for sensitisation of political parties about the importance of implementing the security-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) for their own and constituents’ protection.

       He said that restricting public gatherings and rallies was inevitable as a preventive measure to avert any untoward incident in the prevailing law and order situation.

       Other restrictions included ban on firing in the air, display of weapons and use of tinted glass in vehicles,” he said, adding that the political parties had been barred from holding public meetings at the same venue, time and date.

       Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2024