Sindh Recommends Motorcycle Pillion Riding Ban Across Province During Chehlum Observances

KARACHI: The Sindh government has recommended imposing a ban on motorcycle pillion riding across various districts of the province in view of security concerns and law and order arrangements for the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).

The Sindh Home Department has delegated powers to all divisional commissioners to enforce the necessary restrictions, while the Inspector General of Sindh Police has formally requested the department to impose the ban to ensure the security of Chehlum processions and religious gatherings.

According to the proposed schedule, a ban on pillion riding has been recommended in Karachi’s South Zone from 19 to 21 Safar. In the West, Central, and East Zones, the restriction has been proposed for 19 and 20 Safar. In Malir Zone, pillion riding is proposed to remain prohibited from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on 19 and 20 Safar.

In Hyderabad, Matiari, and Dadu, the ban has been recommended for 19 and 20 Safar, while in Thatta, Jhirk, and Sujawal districts, it has been proposed from 19 to 21 Safar.

Authorities have also recommended imposing the restriction in Sukkur and Khairpur from 18 to 21 Safar. In Larkana, Qambar, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, and Kashmore, the proposed ban covers 19 and 20 Safar.

Similarly, in Shaheed Benazirabad (Nawabshah) and Sanghar districts, the restriction has been recommended for 20 Safar only. In Mirpurkhas, Digri, and Kot Ghulam Muhammad, pillion riding is proposed to remain prohibited from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on 20 and 21 Safar.

Officials said the measures are being proposed to address potential security threats, strengthen arrangements for religious processions and gatherings, and maintain peace and order throughout the province.

Separately, the Sindh government has extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for another month. The Sindh Home Department has issued an official notification stating that the restrictions will remain in force from August 1, 2026.

Under the orders issued pursuant to Section 144, wall chalking, public protests, sit-ins, and rallies will remain prohibited. The display of weapons and motorcycle pillion riding will also continue to be restricted in accordance with the applicable orders and notifications.

The Sindh Home Minister stated that the purpose of these measures is to maintain law and order and ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property. Authorities have warned that legal action will be taken against individuals found violating the restrictions.

It should be noted that the proposed dates for the pillion riding ban are subject to the issuance of final notifications by the competent authorities for the respective districts.