Schools Closed and Public Gatherings Banned in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

DID Press: Authorities in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have introduced new security measures, including the closure of educational institutions in several districts and a 30-day ban on gatherings of more than five people in Hangu district.

According to local media reports, public and private schools, colleges and universities in Swabi, Mardan and Nowshera were closed on Monday, October 12, amid heightened security concerns. Examinations scheduled for the day were also cancelled in the affected districts. Separate reports said educational institutions in Peshawar were also ordered to close.

Meanwhile, authorities in Hangu have imposed Section 144 of Pakistan’s criminal procedure framework for 30 days, prohibiting gatherings of more than five people and unauthorised assemblies in public places. The restrictions took effect immediately, according to a notification issued by the district administration.

The measures come amid heightened political and security tensions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission has warned about the potential political and democratic consequences of emergency measures in the province and called for dialogue between the federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.