The Karachi commissioner has imposed a complete ban on pillion riding and public gatherings, including protests, demonstrations, and rallies, in District Central from December 9 to 10. This decision, implemented under Section 144, aims to maintain peace and prevent any law-and-order situation in the area.
The ban was enforced at the request of the Karachi Police Additional Inspector General (AIG), who highlighted concerns that miscreants might disturb the peace in District Central. The restrictions limit the assembly of more than four people and prohibit pillion riding for two days to avoid potential disturbances.
Station House Officers (SHOs) of the district’s police stations have been authorized to take action against anyone violating these restrictions. The measures appear to be precautionary ahead of a planned event by Muttahida Qaumi Movement-London (MQM-L), led by Altaf Hussain, who has been implicated in anti-state activities.
Meanwhile, 24 workers of MQM-L have already been arrested for assembling at Jinnah Ground and Liaquat Ali Khan Chowk, defying the imposed restrictions. A Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Central confirmed the arrests and the implementation of Section 144 for the specified duration.