Pakistan

Sindh govt puts ban on pillion riding on Muharram 9,10

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Staff Reporter

2 years ago

KARACHI: With the holy month of Muharram fast approaching, the Sindh government Saturday banned pillion riding in an effort to uphold law and order across the province.

According to a provincial home department statement, the prohibition will take effect for Ashura on Muharram 9 and 10, respectively.

However, women, children under the age of twelve, older citizens, people with disabilities, journalists, uniformed members of law enforcement and private security services, and staff members of critical services are exempt from the restriction.

Furthermore, until Ashura, the government has prohibited the carrying and exhibition of weapons, as well as the holding of processions and majalis in the province without a permit, in accordance with Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

Sindh authorities have been notified to take action with respect to the following from Muharram 1 to 10:

Use of loudspeakers in contravention of “The Sindh Sound System (Regulation) Act 2015”;
Speeches, wall chalking, posters, banners, leaflets, audios, videos, etc. spewing hatred and violence;
Presence of any unwarranted person on the rooftop during Muharram events;
Processions / Rallies / Majalis / Jalsa / Tazia without permit;
Assembly of five persons or more except Muharram Processions, Rallies, Majalis, Jalsa, and Tazia;
Pillion riding;
Carrying of arms and ammunition except personnel of LEAs and private security agencies on duty.
Use of helicams and drones

Additionally, it stated that “all permissions granted by the Home Department, Sindh, for the carrying of weapons in relaxation of the ban under Section 144 CrPC shall remain suspended during the above-mentioned period.” In accordance with the directives, Station House Officers (SHO) of concerned police stations have been authorized to file written complaints under Section 188 PPC for the violation of Section 144 CrPC against the individuals who violated the notification.

Meanwhile, in Punjab, at least 502 locations have been designated as sensitive, and the province’s interior ministry has declared that processions and gatherings from Moharram 1 to 10 will only be permitted at specified locations where all events will be under observation.

Staff Reporter