KARACHI: The Government of Sindh on Monday imposed a ban on pillion riding in Karachi for three days as a measure for maintaining peace in the commercial capital as the year draws to a close.

The ban will be effective from 5 pm today, Dec 31, 2012 and will be effective until Jan 3, 2013, according to a notification issued by provincial home department.

The ban has been imposed in view of maintaining peace on the eve of new-year while the religious day of Chehlum will also be observed on Thursday, Jan 03, said the notification.

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

According to the notification, violation of the order shall be liable to penal action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). Police personnel are authorised to take legal action against the violators under the applicable law.

Through another order, the government has also prohibited plying motorcycles without silencers or mufflers besides a ban on crackers and aerial firing, said the notification.

The provincial home department has also suspended all the letters issued by it to various persons allowing them to carry weapons in relaxation of the ban.