Section 144 imposed in Balochistan

Pillion riding and the display of arms have been banned in the province.

QUETTA: A ban was placed on pillion riding and section 144 was imposed in Balochistan on Thursday extending for a period of two months.

An official handout by the Home Department of the Government of Balochistan stated that under section 144, a ban had also been imposed the display of arms in the province, and that the holding of meetings and processions in the provincial capital of Quetta.

Officials said that section 144 had been imposed in order to improve the law and order situation of the province.

The ban comes in the wake of increasing concerns about the law and order situation in the province. On Wednesday, lawmakers in the Balochistan Assembly expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the province and sought the help of tribal elders to maintain durable peace.

As many as 20 people hailing from the Hindu community have been kidnapped recently, including the 82-year-old spiritual leader of the community Lakmi Chand Garji, said provincial minister Jay Parkash.

Target killings and missing people is another pressing issue in the province leading to many protests and rallies. Gas pipelines in the province have also been a frequent target of militants in the recent past.