KARACHI: The Sindh government on Thursday imposed a ban on pillion riding for three days of Muharram to avoid any untoward incident and maintain law and order conditions in the province.
According to a notification issued by the provincial home department, the ban will last for three days from the eighth of Muharram-ul-Harram to the 10th across the province. The ban has been imposed under Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code.
The ban, however, will not be applicable to women, children under the age of 12, senior citizens, journalists, law enforcement personnel in uniform as well as employees of essential services.
In addition to pillion riding, carrying arms and or ammunition except for uniformed personnel of police, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies will also be banned from Muharram 1 to 10. Furthermore, the notice also directed that hate speech, as well as offensive wall chalking, will also be barred under Section 144.
According to Pakistan Meteorological Department, the first month in the Islamic calendar, Muhharam-ul-Harram is expected to commence on August 09th, while the 10th of the month will fall on September 19th.
Earlier, the Sindh home department issued standard operating procedures (SoPs) for Muharram ul Haram. The notification reads, “Pursuant to the guidelines issued by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the Government of Pakistan and in continuation of the orders issued by the home department, to contain the disease spread in the province of Sindh, the following are the guidelines for safe conduct of processions and Majlis during Muharramul Haram 2021.”
The authorities called for an emphasis on adherence to Covid SOPs during majalis and processions (wearing of masks and availability and use of sanitizers); mandatory vaccination of Zakirs for conducting majalis; reducing and minimizing the participation strength; focus on licensed and traditional processions and majalis only; and establishment of special vaccination camps with effect from 1st Muharram.
The venue for majalis should be open and spacious with proper ventilation arrangements, and social distancing is mandatory. Majalis where SOPs cannot be effectively implemented such as homes and private gatherings should be discouraged. Lengthy majalis should be avoided, and the timings must be strictly adhered to.
