Sindh bans pillion-riding, rallies for 10 days

In the wake of unrest after Aasia Bibi verdict

KARACHI: The Sindh government has imposed Section 144 for the next ten days, placing a ban on pillion riding, rallies and carrying or displaying arms across the province.

According to the notification issued by the home department on Wednesday, the ban would be imposed with effect from October 31 till November 10, 2018.  The notification referred to federal the government's directives and said, "Interior ministry has informed that decision on the case of Aasia Bibi has been announced on Wednesday by Supreme Court of Pakistan, so necessary security arrangements may be made as judgment may cause disturbance and create law and order situation in the province."

Further elaborating on the ban, the notification reads, "Sindh government has decided to impose ban on carrying/display weapons, gathering of more than four persons, rallies and jalsas, pillion riding of motor cycle [except journalists, police and security personnel], private vehicles with tinted glasses, unauthorised blue lights, fancy number plates and police and ambulance sirens and hooters."

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st, 2018.