Sindh Bans Pillion Riding and Imposes Section 144 for Muharram 9 and 10

The Sindh government has announced a ban on pillion riding across the province for Muharram 9 and 10 to ensure peace and maintain law and order during the sacred month of Muharram. This decision aims to enhance security and prevent any potential unrest during this time.

A notification regarding the ban has been issued. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Women, children under 12 years old, senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, journalists, law enforcement personnel and private security guards in uniform, and essential services workers are all allowed to ride pillion.

In addition to the pillion riding ban, the government has also enforced restrictions under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). These restrictions include a ban on carrying and displaying weapons, and organizing processions and Majalis without official permission throughout Sindh until Ashura.

Authorities in Sindh have been instructed to take the following measures from Muharram 1 to 10:

Enforce the regulations on loudspeakers as per “The Sindh Sound System (Regulation) Act 2015.”
Prevent hate speech, wall chalking, and distribution of inflammatory posters, banners, leaflets, audio, and video materials.
Ensure no unauthorized individuals are present on rooftops during Muharram events.
Prohibit processions, rallies, Majalis, and Tazia without proper permits.
Restrict gatherings of five or more people, except for permitted Muharram events.
Ban the carrying of arms and ammunition, except for law enforcement agencies and private security personnel on duty.
Prohibit the use of drones and helicams.

Furthermore, the notification specifies that all weapon-carrying permits issued by the Home Department of Sindh will be temporarily suspended during this period.

Police Station House Officers (SHOs) are authorized to file formal complaints under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) against those who violate the CrPC regulations.

Meanwhile, in Punjab, the Interior Ministry has identified 502 locations as sensitive. Processions and gatherings from the first to the tenth day of Muharram will only be allowed at designated sites, where activities will be closely monitored for security purposes.

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