Pillion riding banned in Sindh for Muharram 9 and 10

Ban will also be imposed on carrying and displaying weapons, holding processions and majalis without permit

KARACHI:

The Sindh government has imposed a ban on pillion riding throughout the province on Muharram 9 and 10 to ensure peace and law enforcement during the sacred month of Muharram.

A notification has been issued in this regard.

However, exceptions to the pillion riding ban include women, children under 12 years old, senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, journalists, law enforcement personnel and private security agents in uniform, as well as essential services employees.

Additionally, under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the government has prohibited the carrying and display of weapons, and the organization of processions and Majalis without official permission in Sindh until Ashura.

During Muharram 1 to 10, authorities in Sindh have been instructed to take appropriate measures regarding the following:

• Use of Loudspeakers in contravention of “The Sindh Sound System (Regulation) Act 2015”;

• Speechs, wall chalking, posters, banners, leaflets, audios, videos etc spewing hatred and violence;

• Presence of any unwarranted person on roof-top during Muharram events;

• Processions / Rallies / Majalis / Jalsa / Tazia without permit;

• Assembly of five persons or more except Muharram Processions / Rallies / Majalis / Jalsa / Tazia;

• Pillion riding;

• Carrying of Arms/ Ammunition except personnel of LEAs and private security agencies on duty;

• Use of Helicams / drones;

Furthermore, the notification stated that all permits issued by the Home Department, Sindh, allowing the carrying of weapons in exemption to the ban under Section 144 of the CrPC, will be temporarily revoked during the mentioned period.

According to the instructions, Station House Officers (SHOs) of respective police stations are authorized to formally document complaints under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) against individuals who violate Section 144 of the CrPC as per the notification.

Meanwhile, in Punjab, the Interior Ministry has identified 502 locations as sensitive, and announced that processions or gatherings from the first to the tenth day of Muharram will only be permitted at specified sites where all activities will be closely monitored.