10-day ban on pillion riding lifted across Sindh

KARACHI: The provincial government has lifted the 10-day ban on pillion riding and rallies across the Sindh on Saturday.

“The ban imposed for ten days on pillion riding, rallies and gathering of four persons has been withdrawn with immediate effect,” read a notification issued by the Sindh home department.

The reason behind the ban, which came in effect from October 31, was not particularly specified by the government, but according to reports, the decision has been taken in the wake of protests and rioting fears after the Supreme Court verdict ordering acquittal of Asia Bibi, who was facing execution over blasphemy charges.

The provincial government also banned processions and rallies as well as carrying of arms, further imposing Section-144 in the entire province.

The ban has been lifted now after three days of protests as the demonstrators ended their sit-ins after reaching an agreement with the government over Asia Bibi case verdict.

A day earlier, in an interview with the BBC, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is committed to taking steps against extremism and finding a permanent solution to violent protests.

The minister defended an agreement with the religious party to end the countrywide protests over acquittal of Aasia Bibi.