Chief justice rescues 700 motorcycle riders from lockups

Most of them were released on personal bonds after showing their CNICs۔

KARACHI: Had the chief justice of the Sindh High Court not come to their rescue, hundreds of motorcyclists would have celebrated Eid in police station lockups. 

Over 700 people, mostly young men, were released on Sunday after Chief Justice Mushir Alam ordered judicial magistrates to visit police stations. The men were bailed out for small amounts or were released on personal bonds after showing their CNICs.

Pillion riding was banned late Friday night after unidentified men killed 11 people in drive-by shootings concentrated in District Central and West. The home department made the feeble overture, saying double sawari would not be allowed till Tuesday – this includes the first and second day of Eidul Fitr.

The people were presented before judicial magistrates as the high court as well as subordinate courts are closed till August 22.

The District East police was the most active. “They switched off our mobile phones so our families did not know where we were,” said Adil Hussain, who was arrested by Mobina Town police.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 20^th, 2012.