KABUL: Authorities in Kabul have decided to ban motorcycles and scooters in the Afghan capital in a bid to control rampant crime and stop assailants on two-wheelers from conducting targeted killings.

The ban, which takes effect on Wednesday, comes after a string of assaults by armed men on motorcycles.

Delivery riders, who are in high demand amid Kabul’s coronavirus lockdown, will be exempted.

“Most of the crimes in the city, including targeted killings, are carried out using motorbikes,” an interior ministry spokesman said.

“We have therefore decided to ban the use of the motorbikes in Kabul city and its districts.”

A security official alleged the Taliban were conducting an increasing number of targeted killings of government officials.

“They all use motorbikes to do hit and runs,” the official said, noting that street robberies by thieves on motorcycles and scooters were also on the rise.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2020