Sharjeel Memon says pillion riding not banned in Karachi on New Year’s Eve

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that pillion riding was not banned in metropolis on New Year’s Eve.

Earlier a day, Karachi Commissioner Muhammad Iqbal Memon imposed a ban for two days, from the evening of December 31 to January 1.

However, Information Minister sets aside the orders of Commissioner Karachi saying, “no ban was imposed on pillion ridding in Karachi.”

The provincial minister further said that Karachiites can celebrate the New Year but aerial firing, roads blockage and one-wheeling on motorbikes won’t be allowed.

“People’s security is the first priority of the government,” he said.

Earlier, in a letter written to the commissioner dated Dec 20, the DIG-South had said that New Year’s Eve was celebrated in different areas of Karachi with full enthusiasm.

“Throughout the night, a large number of youngsters from different areas of the city will move to Seaview on motorcycles and cars, which create traffic jams and inconvenience to the residents of the area,” DIG said in letter.

He, therefore, had requested that a ban under section 144 of the Criminal Code of Procedure on carrying/display of arms, aerial firing, fire crackers, and pillion riding of motorcycles/scooters should be imposed to safeguard the lives of the citizens.

It should be noted, the Sindh government had announced that Karachi’s Seaview beach would remain open for the public on New Year’s Eve.