PESHAWAR: To prevent a possible breach of peace, the deputy commissioner of Peshawar has imposed Section 144 for three days, until May 3, which empowers the district administration to issue orders in the larger interest of the public for a specific period of time.
The decision was made after credible reports suggested attempts to sabotage law and order in the district. The notification also highlighted concerns of non-state actors and miscreants exploiting unlawful gatherings for terrorist activities.
The ban prohibits unlawful and unauthorized gathering and assembly of more than five persons within the premises of District Peshawar. Those violating the order may be proceeded against under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison or fine or both.
This decision follows a recent wave of terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, with January 2023 being the deadliest month since 2018.
At least 16 people died and dozens of others got injured in twin blasts that occurred inside Swat CTD police station last month.
The initial report found no evidence of terrorism and hinted that fire broke in the armory where the weapons were kept and there was high possibility that the explosion was caused by a short circuit.
The horrifying incident sent shock waves across the country as the whole nation was observing the third day of Eid-ul-Fitr.
