Daily Times

The Sindh government has imposed a ban on pillion riding for 10 days in view of the current law and order situation across the province.

The reason for ban has not been particularly specified by the government but according to reports, the decision was taken in the wake of protests and rioting after the Supreme Court’s (SC) verdict ordering acquittal of Asia Bibi who was facing execution over blasphemy charges.

The provincial government has also banned processions and rallies as well as carrying of arms. Under Section-144 of the government, a gathering of no more than four people will be allowed. As per the notification, the ban has been imposed for 10 days.

Two days ago, the Sindh government banned pillion riding for two days across the province on Chehlum of the martyrs of Karbala on Tuesday. Provincial Home Department in a notification said that the Sindh government imposed a ban on pillion riding on motorbikes in exercise of powers under Section 144 (6) of the criminal procedure code during the Chehlum on October 30 and up to November 2 in the province.

The notification, however, said that the ban shall not be applicable on women, children below the age of 12, senior citizens, journalists, law enforcement agencies personnel in uniforms and the employees of essential services. The provincial administration had also asked the federal government to suspend cellular and internet services in Karachi and other major cities of Sindh along the routes of main processions of mourning at a specific time.

Published in Daily Times, November 1^st 2018.