KARACHI: The Sindh government on Wednesday banned pillion-riding from Muharram 8 to 10 in Karachi, Hyderabad and three other cities of the province in line with the security arrangements planned for Ashura, said a statement.

A notification issued by the Sindh home department said the ban would be effective from the early hours of Nov 2 to Nov 4.

“The home department has under Section 144 of the criminal procedure code imposed a complete ban on pillion-riding of motorcycle/scooter from Muharram-ul-Haram 8 to 10 (Nov 2 to 4) in 10 districts of the province of Sindh namely Hyderabad, Sanghar, Khairpur, Sukkur and Karachi’s east, south, west, central, Malir and Korangi,” it said.

“The ban shall not be applicable to women, children below the age of 12 years, senior citizens, journalists, personnel of law enforcement agencies and security agencies in uniform and employees of the essential services.”

In a similar move the home department banned use of helicams or drone cameras by television channels for the coverage of Muharram processions.

“The home department Sindh has under Section 144 CrPC imposed a ban on the use of helicams from Muharram 5 to 10 (Oct 30 to Nov 4) in and around the venues of the Muharram processions, Majalis and public gatherings throughout the province of Sindh,” added the notification.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2014