KHAR, Sept 13: The administration has banned use of motorcycles for travel in Salarzai tehsil of Bajaur Agency, while tribesmen say the decision is unjustified and would create more problems for them.

The residents said that the political administration on Thursday imposed ban on motorcycle rides in Salarzai area.

“The announcement was made by levies officials at different trade centres,” a resident Habib Khan told Dawn.

Justifying the decision, the administration officials said that the step was taken for security reasons.

“Riding motorcycle has been banned in Salarzai tehsil from Friday (today) and strict action will be taken against the violators,” said an administration official. He added that the decision was taken in the larger interest of people, as militants could use motorcycles for anti-social activities in the area.

Meanwhile, tribesmen from different areas of Salarzai tehsil expressed resentment over the decision, saying the ban would create problems for them.

“This ban is unjustified, as the tribesmen are already affected by militant activities,” said Noor Mohammad, a resident of Baro Salarzai.

Malik Fazal Rabi, Malk Noorzada and Aslam Khan said that militants had never used motorcycle for their activities in the area and the ban would only affect people of areas having no facility of public transport.

Use of motorcycle for travel in parts of the agency including,  Khar, Nawagi, Chamarkand, War Mamound, Lovi Mamound and Utmankhail tehsil, had been banned since 2007. — Correspondent