KARACHI: The Sindh government on Friday imposed a ban on pillion riding across the province till Aug 10 as part of security measures ahead of Ashura.

The government has also banned the flying of drones in any majlis, procession or public meeting in the province from 8th Muharram (Sunday) till Ashura (Aug 9) due to security concerns.

According to a notification issued by Sindh Home Secretary Dr Saeed Ahmed Mangnejo, the province-wide ban on pillion riding was imposed from Muharram 6 to Muharram 12 (Aug 5 to Aug 11) on the request of the inspector general of police, Sindh amid security concerns and threat perception.

“The government of Sindh is satisfied that in order to maintain law and order throughout the province and to avoid any untoward incident / mishap, it is necessary to take immediate measures,” it said. “Therefore, the government of Sindh in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code do hereby impose a complete ban on pillion riding of motorcycle/scooter.”

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

The government has authorised SHOs concerned to register complaints under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code against the violaters of the pillion-riding ban.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2022