435 people arrested in Karachi for violating pillion-riding ban

Karachi, Jan 17(ANI): As many as 435 people riding bikes were arrested from different parts of Karachi on Monday for violating of the pillion-riding ban imposed in the Pakistani metropolis.

Several announcements were made by the authorities last night to curb the recent wave of violence in Karachi, among which was a ban on pillion riding that was to be implemented more rigorously, SAMAA TV reports.

As people left their homes for offices, police got into action and arrested hundreds of bike riders.

Most of the arrested people said they were unaware of the ban, but they were sent behind bars in different police stations.

It is noteworthy that the Sindh Government has imposed a one-week ban on pillion riding in Karachi, starting from Sunday midnight.

Capital City Police Officer Fayyaz Ahmed Leghari said the ban would be enforced across the city, and "initially the ban will be effective for one week... but it will be extended depending on the law and order situation."

Earlier, the ban on pillion riding had been imposed during Muharram, and was lifted after the Ashura had passed off peacefully. (ANI)