Balochistan imposes section 144 amid security fears

QUETTA: The Balochistan government on Saturday imposed Section 144 across the province for 15 days, citing security concerns, from August 16 to August 31.

The new orders ban pillion riding on motorcycles and prohibit riders from covering their faces with masks or cloth. Public gatherings, including gatherings of more than five people at one place, are also banned.

Officials said the move is aimed at preventing untoward incidents during a specified period and ensuring public safety.

Four people, including a Levies official and a tribal leader, were killed and one injured in violent incidents in Quetta, Khuzdar and Kalat districts. Security personnel were short-staffed in a grenade attack in the Killi Zarin area of Quetta, but a motorcyclist was killed and another was injured.