Pillion riding banned in Islamabad on Tuesday for Muharram security

The restriction will come into effect on Muharram 9 to remain for the day, says district magistrate

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICTA) banned on Monday pillion riding to maintain law and order in the federal capital during the month of Muharram.

The restriction will come into effect on Tuesday to remain for the day, under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), said a statement of the district magistrate Capt (retd) Mushtaq Ahmed.

"It has been brought to appear to me that certain pillion riders are likely to resort to violence and acts of sabotage aimed at disrupting peace and tranquility causing damage to public life and property during the upcoming few days," the communique added.

The main Ashura procession in Islamabad would be taken out of central Imambargah in G-6/2 tomorrow (Tuesday). Traditionally, the main procession in the federal capital is held in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Muharram 9 and 10 respectively.



Earlier, Islamabad authorities barred 11 clerics including Maulana Abdul Aziz of Lala Masjid and Ameen Shaheedi of Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen from delivering speeches and addressing any gathering in the capital's for two months.

Similarly, 16 other clerics of various sects were banned from entering Islamabad. The step was taken on the advice of Special Branch of the police to maintain law and order during Muharram.

The restriction is already in place in Karachi till Muharram 11 to maintain law and order. Sunday night, police arrested 200 people and seized around 100 motorcycles in the metropolis for violating the ban.