On Tuesday, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) provincial authorities will enforce a stringent curfew across three volatile districts—Tank, North Waziristan, and South Waziristan—following a surge in security threats, as reported by Express News. The decision, aimed at ensuring public safety, has sparked concerns among locals about disruptions to daily life, with officials urging residents to comply and travelers to seek alternative routes.
In Tank district, the curfew will be active from 6 am to 6 pm, affecting key areas such as Dabara Bazaar, Korr Qila, Khargi, Manzai, Kariwam, and the stretch leading to Jandola. South Waziristan will see similar restrictions along routes from Azizabad Chowk through Sarwekai, Jandola, Korr Qila, and Dabara. Meanwhile, Upper South Waziristan faces road closures in Asman Manza, Ladha, Makeen, Bibi Raghzai, Sararogha, Kotkai, Jandola, Barwand, and Mola Khan Sarai. North Waziristan’s curfew will impact travel from Razmak to Gardei and Kharsin, cutting off major transit points.
District administrations issued notifications late Monday, instructing residents to remain indoors during the curfew hours. “This is a necessary precaution to maintain law and order,” stated an official from Tank’s administration, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We regret the inconvenience but prioritize safety.” Authorities have not specified how long these measures will persist beyond Tuesday, leaving locals uncertain about future plans.
The curfew comes amid heightened tensions in the region, though specific details about the security concerns remain undisclosed. Analysts suggest it may be linked to recent intelligence reports of potential unrest in these border districts, which have long grappled with militancy and cross-border challenges. The timing has raised questions, as no major incidents were publicly reported in the days leading up to the announcement.
Local businesses, already strained by economic hardships, fear further losses. “We barely recover from one lockdown, and now this,” said Aslam Khan, a shopkeeper in Dabara Bazaar. Travelers, too, face hurdles, with many rerouting through longer, less secure paths to avoid restricted zones.
While the administrations have called for cooperation, some residents express frustration over the lack of clarity. “If they want us to follow rules, they should tell us why,” said a North Waziristan tribal elder. For now, the region braces for a tense Tuesday, hoping for stability in the days ahead.
