Karachi: The Sindh government has imposed a province-wide ban on pillion riding on Muharram 9 and 10 to ensure peace and law enforcement during the holy month of Muharram.
A notification has been issued regarding this ban.
The ban shall not be applicable on women, children below the age of 12 years, senior citizens, differently abled persons, journalists, personnel of law enforcement agencies and private security agencies in uniform, and employees of essential services.
Additionally, under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the government has prohibited the carrying and display of weapons, and the organization of processions and Majalis without official permission in Sindh until Ashura.
Authorities in Sindh have been instructed to take appropriate measures from Muharram 1 to 10, to enforce the following:
- The use of loudspeakers in contravention of “The Sindh Sound System (Regulation) Act 2015”
- Speeches, wall chalking, posters, banners, leaflets, audio, and videos promoting hatred and violence
- The presence of any unauthorized person on rooftops during Muharram events
- Processions, rallies, Majalis, Jalsas, and Tazias without a permit
- The assembly of five or more persons except for Muharram processions, rallies, Majalis, Jalsas, and Tazias
- Pillion riding
- Carrying of arms and ammunition except for law enforcement personnel and private security agents on duty
- The use of helices and drones.
The notification also stated that all licenses issued by the Home Department, Sindh, allowing the carrying of weapons in exemption to the ban under Section 144 of the CrPC, will be temporarily canceled during this period.
According to the instructions, Station House Officers (SHOs) of respective police stations are authorized to formally document complaints under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) against individuals who violate Section 144 of the CrPC as per the notification.
Meanwhile in Punjab, at least 502 places have been declared sensitive, and the province’s interior ministry has announced that processions or gatherings from Moharram 1 to 10 will only be allowed at designated places where all events will be monitored.
