KHAR, Aug 2: The authorities again slapped a ban on motorcycle riding on Friday in the entire Bajaur Agency due to security concerns.

Talking to journalists, Political Agent Syed Abdul Jabar Shah said the decision had been taken in the interest of the people. “Imposing ban on motorcycle riding was a difficult decision but the step was taken to protect the lives of people,” he said.

The elders and members of peace committees were also against the use of motorcycles in the region because they believed that militants could use two-wheelers for undesirable activities in the area, he added.

On the other hand, tribesmen from various parts of the agency expressed concern over the decision and said it would badly affect people’s lives.

Fazal Manan, a resident of Khar, said that motorcycle was the only means of transportation for the common people as the agency did not have a proper transportation system and the people could not afford vehicles for the purpose. The ban on the use of motorcycle in the agency was last lifted on July 10 after five years.—Anwarullah Khan