LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has banned pillion riding in the province till Ashura and imposed Section 144 as part of enhanced security measures during Muharram.
The ban on pillion riding will commence from the 7th of Muharram and continue until Ashura, the 10th of Muharram. Exceptions to the ban include elderly citizens, women, and law enforcement personnel.
Section 144 has been imposed to prohibit statements that promote inter-sectarian, inter-faith, or racial hatred.
As part of Muharram security measures in Punjab, the construction of barricades on buildings’ rooftops along the routes of processions is prohibited. Additionally, the Punjab government has banned the possession of stones, bricks, bottles, trash, weapons, and flammable materials during the processions.
The Punjab government has also requested additional assistance from rangers to support the police in ensuring maximum security.
Instead of suspending mobile phone services across the board, plans are being implemented to disable networks only in areas where processions are taking place.
