KARACHI: Karachi Commissioner Muhammad Iqbal Memon on Friday announced a ban on pillion riding in the city for two days.
According to a notification issued by the Office of the Commissioner, the ban will be effective on December 31 and January 1. Women, children, senior citizens, journalists, law enforcement agencies’ personnel in uniform and employees of other essential services are exempted from the ban.
In a letter written to the commissioner dated Dec 20, the DIG had said that New Year’s Eve was celebrated in different areas of Karachi with full enthusiasm.
“Throughout the night, a large number of youngsters from different areas of the city will move to Seaview on motorcycles and cars, which create traffic jams and inconvenience to the residents of the area.”
He, therefore, requested that a ban under section 144 of the Criminal Code of Procedure on carrying/display of arms, aerial firing, firecrackers, and pillion riding of motorcycles/scooters should be imposed to safeguard the lives of the citizens.
Subsequently, in a notification today, the commissioner said: “A complete ban has been imposed on aerial firing, firecrackers, and pillion riding of motorcycles/scooters in the Karachi division for a period of two days from Dec 31, 2022, to Jan 1, 2023, with immediate effect.”
On Thursday, the Sindh government had announced that Seaview Road would remain open for the public on New Year’s Eve.
Sindh Police and Rangers personnel have been deployed at all public places to avoid untoward incident. Besides, the authorities have also imposed a blanket ban on aerial firing and display of weapons.
Abdul Sattar Edhi Avenue would only be opened for one-way traffic, according to SSP South Syed Asad Raza, in order to prevent any congestion.
He claimed that, given the perceived threat, it was impossible to rule out the prospect of terrorist activities, a breakdown in law and order caused by antisocial groups, and religious agitators.
“A total number of 2,383 policemen will be deployed at Seaview and other spots to meet any eventuality,” he said.
