District administrations in Bajaur, Bannu, and Upper and Lower South Waziristan have imposed a 30-day ban on the trade, storage, and transportation of fertilizer due to serious security concerns. Authorities introduced the restrictions under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure after receiving intelligence that militant groups were diverting urea and other nitrogen-based fertilizers to manufacture improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
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The ban took effect on July 27 and will remain in place until August 25, 2026. It prohibits the sale, purchase, and transportation of all fertilizer types, along with other explosives, across the affected districts. Deputy Commissioner of Bajaur Adnan Farid said the Home and Tribal Affairs Department directed the administration to introduce the measure. Accordingly, officials aim to strengthen public safety and maintain law and order. Anyone who violates the directive will face prosecution under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860.
Furthermore, authorities have instructed all fertilizer dealers to maintain accurate records and suspend all transactions during the restriction period. The notification also states that officials may extend, amend, or withdraw the ban depending on the security situation. Meanwhile, the administration hopes the measure will limit access to materials used in IED production and protect local communities.
