Mobile service suspended, Section 144 imposed in various parts of country

KOHAT: Mobile service has been suspended in various parts of the Kohat division after the tragic firing incident in Kurram district, which claimed at least 39 lives.

According to reports, mobile service in Hangu, Kurram, and some parts of Orakzai has been suspended due to the law and order situation that has emerged in the area.

Meanwhile, Section 144 has been imposed in Rawalpindi, and Mianwali ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s November 24 protest.

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Mianwali imposed Section 144 after receiving information from the District Police Officer (DPO) about a “serious security threat to the district.”

As per the notification issued by the DC office, the presence of terrorists was noted in the border area with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), who had earlier attacked Police Station Makarwal, Check Post Qabool Khel, Haroon Shaheed PHP Post Kundal, and PAF Base Mianwali in the recent past.

Earlier, Section 144 was imposed in Islamabad on Tuesday, banning all kind of gatherings and rallies.

On the other hand, the Punjab Home Department requested the Interior Ministry to deploy Rangers in three districts of Punjab: Jhelum, Rawalpindi, and Attock.

Also Read: FC, Rangers deployed in Islamabad ahead of PTI protest

It may be added here that the Kurram tragedy has sent a wave of fear across the country, as the death toll has risen to 39, according to the police.

The incident occurred when a convoy of at least 200 passenger vans was passing through the Ochat area of Lower Kurram, said KP government spokesperson Barrister Dr Saif while providing details to the media on Thursday.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, while strongly condemning the firing incident, told the media that at least 38 people were killed, while several others were injured in the attack on Thursday.

However, local authorities, journalists, and residents of the area fear that the death toll could rise to more than 50. No further updates have been received from the region, as mobile and internet services were suspended after the incident.

The convoy of 200 passenger vans was escorted by the police. According to Dr. Saif, the attackers first targeted the police personnel before opening fire on the convoy from both sides.

The attackers reportedly targeted members of the Shia community, as Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud told AFP that the convoy belonged to the same community. “Women and children sought refuge in local houses, and we are currently searching for the attackers in the area.” Read More