Daily Times

LAHORE: The ban on pillion riding is no doubt an extreme step to ensure security of the people but most of the time it generates revenue for the government and also for those who are deputed to ensure compliance of the order.

To mint money from the general public on pretext of public safety is not new but it is a matter of grave concern on the saddest day of the Islamic history. Lahoris, like previous years, complained that violation of pillion riding ban was pardoned when they greased the palm of those who intercepted them.

Police took full advantage of the ban on pillion riding during Muharram 9-10 to mint money from motorcyclists in the provincial metropolis. Several citizens were arrested on the charge of pillion riding during Muharram 9 and Muharam 10.

It was witnessed that Muhafiz Force, Quick Response Force (QRF), Tiger Squad and other patrolling squads held many motorcyclists and later they were set free after receiving the money from them.

However, many were also given a warning but most of them had to give a little ‘donation’ to the friendly policemen to secure their freedom from being arrested during Muharram days.

According to sources in the Police Department, thousands of motorcyclists were held for violating the law while several were set free who greased the palms of policemen.

According to details, police high ups banned pillion riding on Muharram 9 and 10 to maintain law and order situation. On the other hand, a large numbers of youth did not care the ban and continued going out with their friend on motorcycles to enjoy holidays by visiting public places or to enjoy edibles at different traditional foods.

Shahzad and Kamran, residents of Davis Road, told Daily Times that they were going to a bazaar where a police motorcycle squad stopped them and after negotiation they gave some rupees to police to ensure their release.

Another citizen, Iqbal, said he was going with his younger brother on a motorcycle to visit his relative when a police-patrolling car stopped them and set them free taking money from them.

Sources said hundreds of innocent families were facing different troubles after they came to know that their beloved sons were in police custody over pillion riding charges. A number of parents appeared before city courts on Thursday morning to get bails for their children.

According to the DIG Operations spokesman, a total of 278 people were arrested on charge of pillion riding while police also registered 139 cases against violators and seized 139 motorcycles.