KARACHI: While the Seaview beach will remain open for public on the eve of New Year, Commissioner Muhammad Iqbal Memon on Friday imposed a ban on pillion riding for two days across the city.

According to a notification, a complete ban had been imposed on carrying out aerial firing, setting off firecrackers and on pillion riding of motorcycles/scooters on New Year within Karachi division for a period Saturday and Sunday ( Dec 31 to Jan 1, 2023).

That decision has been taken on the recommendation of the DIG-South, the notification stated.

The DIG informed the commissioner that New Year would be celebrated with full enthusiasm throughout the night and a large number of youngsters from different areas of the city would move to Seaview on motorcycles and cars, which created a traffic mess and caused inconvenience to the residents living in the areas surrounding the beach.

Therefore, the DIG requested that a ban under Section 144 of the criminal procedure code be imposed to safeguard the precious lives of the citizens and maintain peace in the city.

Meanwhile, SSP-South Syed Asad Raza said that keeping in view the threat perception, possibility of terrorist activity, law and order situation by anti-social elements and religious agitators could not be ruled out.

He said total 2,383 policemen would be deployed at Seaview and other spots to meet any eventuality.

He said the Seaview would remain open for public but the people would not be allowed to resort to aerial firing and use of firecrackers.

Apart from snap-checking on main roads, vehicles parked at the beach area, clubs, restaurants and hotels would be checked to avert any untoward incident, he said, adding that police had been told to ensure that crowds did not become unruly and cause damage to the property.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2022