Pillion Riding Banned Across Punjab for Two Days

The Punjab government has banned pillion riding across the province on 9th and 10th Muharram, falling on June 25 and 26, as part of security measures for Muharram processions and gatherings.

The Punjab Home Department issued a notification imposing Section 144 to maintain public peace and ensure the safety of lives and property across the province.

According to the notification, authorities have warned of potential threats to public order, religious harmony, and the overall law and order situation from miscreants, violent extremists, and anti-social elements.

It stated that such elements may attempt to incite sectarianism and violence by provoking religious sentiments during Muharram-ul-Haram 2026.

The Home Department has also banned the carrying of weapons in public places, raising provocative slogans, and displaying signs or representations that may incite public sentiments.

The notification further prohibits the spread of sectarian hatred through social and digital media.

Authorities have also banned the construction of morchas, or fortified positions, on rooftops along procession routes. Sitting or standing on the roofs of houses and shops located on either side of procession routes during processions has also been prohibited.

However, the pillion riding ban will not apply to women, children, senior citizens, journalists, and uniformed law enforcement personnel.

Police stations have been authorized to register complaints under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code against those violating orders issued under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code.