Youm-i-Ali: City govt slaps two-day ban on pillion riding

The ban will apply to one kilometre perimeter around the procession.

LAHORE:

The city district government on Wednesday notified a ban on pillion riding on Ramazan 20-21, as a security measure for Youm-i-Ali, when Shias will take out a procession to mark the martyrdom of Hazart Ali (RA).

The ban will be imposed under Section 144 and will apply to a one kilometre perimeter around the procession, which will be taken out from the Mubarik Haveli to Karbala Gamay Shah.

The government has warned violators of “strict action”.

The ban will not apply to women riding pillion. DCO Noorul Amin Mengal has visited the Walled City to review security arrangements. Walk through gates and CCTV cameras have been installed along the route.

New security measures have been put in place this year. City police will check houses located along the route.

In the past, residents living along the route were required to submit a clearance certificate to security personnel, undertaking that no suspect lived with them. SP city will also walk with the procession this year.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 9^th, 2012.