ISLAMABAD: The capital administration on Tuesday suspended its order for banning pillion riding in the capital for two months, which was issued last Sunday.

The order issued on Sept 9 was suspended and a new one was issued for banning pillion riding for 10 days in selected areas.

An official of the district administration said the step was taken for public convenience and that the ban will be enforced the first 10 days of Muharram.

The order issued from the office of the Islamabad deputy commissioner says: “It has been brought to appear to me that certain pillion riders are likely to resort to violence and acts of sabotage aimed at disrupting peace and tranquillity causing damage [to] public life and property during the forthcoming Muharram 2018”.

It says pillion riding will be banned to avoid threats to public peace and tranquillity within the limits of Islamabad. District administration officials said mobile services are most likely to remain operational in the capital on Ashura.

Since 2016, mobile phone services are being suspended in fewer areas, the officials said. Mobile services were partially banned in Islamabad in 2016 and services were jammed in fewer areas in 2017. “It is likely that mobile services will not be suspended or they will only be suspended along the procession route,” an official said.

The official said that the ban on wall chalking, putting up posters and the distribution of pamphlets will be lifted in the capital on Sept 17. They said the ban was imposed on July 17 in order to avoid hurting the sentiments of various religious sects which can affect peace and tranquillity.

“It was decided that a ban of another two months will be imposed and a notification will be issued on Sept 17,” he said.

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2018