NA-246 by-polls: Ban on pillion riding lifted in all but one district in Karachi

CM Sindh said the move has been made owing to inconvenience to the masses

PHOTO: PPI

KARACHI:
Authorities in Sindh have lifted a ban on pillion-riding in all districts of Karachi except for West district ahead of tomorrow's by-polls in NA-246 constituency.

The decision was taken Wednesday at a high-level provincial meeting, held under Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and attended by the chief secretary, DG Rangers, IG Sindh and representatives of other offices, Express News reported.

The ban was imposed yesterday for 72 hours in view of the security situation ahead of the NA-246 by-elections. The restriction was to come into effect on April 21 and remain in force until the night of April 23.

Read: Security arrangement: Ban on pillion riding

Addressing the meeting, Shah said the move has been made to ease inconveniences faced by masses.

Earlier, Additional IG Sindh had written to the home ministry, calling for a ban to be imposed on pillion-riding.

Political parties especially the Muttahida Qaumi Movement had criticised the ban, saying it would cause problems for many people who want to vote in the crucial elections.


Security arrangements

More than 16 police personnel will be deputed outside each of the 213 polling stations, while, according to DG West Feroz Shah, three teams of police will remain on standby in the district.

Read: NA-246 by-elections: Rangers to monitor security in and around polling stations

Moreover, Rangers will provide security to presiding officers, while sharp shooters will be deployed at the rooftop of surrounding buildings. Authorities have declared all polling stations of the constituency sensitive.

Polling material distribution

Meanwhile, the distribution of polling material in the constituency has begun, with Rangers and police closely monitoring the process.

According to polling authorities, polling in NA-246 will begin at 8:00 am.

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