Law & Governance | June 2026 | 4 min read
⚡ Quick Takeaways
- Punjab has banned pillion riding on 9th and 10th Muharram as part of province-wide security measures.
- Section 144 restrictions also cover weapons, provocative slogans, sectarian content, and rooftop activity.
- Women, children, senior citizens, journalists, and uniformed law enforcement personnel are exempt from the pillion riding ban.
- Police stations can register cases under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code for violations.
- The restrictions are designed to protect processions, gatherings, and public order during Muharram.
Punjab has announced a two-day pillion riding ban across the province for the most sensitive days of Muharram, placing the restriction under a wider Section 144 security framework meant to protect processions, majalis, worshippers, and public order.
| 2 days Pillion riding ban |
9th and 10th Muharram dates covered |
Section 188 Penalty route for violations |
Punjab Imposes Ban for Key Muharram Days
The Punjab government has banned pillion riding across the province on the 9th and 10th of Muharram as part of security arrangements for religious processions and gatherings. The Home Department notification places the measure under Section 144, a legal tool used by provincial authorities to prevent threats to peace, safety, and public order.
The order comes at a time when large processions, route security, crowd management, and religious gatherings require close coordination between district administrations, police, traffic authorities, and other law enforcement agencies. By limiting double riding on motorcycles, the government aims to reduce mobility risks that are often flagged during high-alert days.
| Public advisory: The restriction is time-bound and linked to Muharram security. Citizens should follow district police updates before travelling. |
What the Section 144 Order Restricts
The notification does not only cover pillion riding. It also bans carrying weapons in public places, raising provocative slogans, and displaying signs or material that may inflame religious or sectarian sentiments. The order further bars the spread of sectarian hatred through social media and digital platforms.
Authorities also prohibited the construction of morchas, or fortified positions, on rooftops along procession routes. Sitting or standing on rooftops of houses and shops located on both sides of procession routes has also been restricted during processions. These measures are meant to keep routes clear, reduce crowd-related risks, and prevent any misuse of elevated locations.
| Restriction | What it means | Status |
| Pillion riding | Two people riding on one motorcycle is banned on 9th and 10th Muharram. | Active for two days |
| Weapons in public | Display or carrying of weapons in public places is restricted. | Banned |
| Provocative material | Slogans, signs, and digital content that may incite hatred are prohibited. | Banned |
| Rooftop activity | Morchas and public presence on rooftops along routes are restricted. | Banned |
| Exempt groups | Women, children, senior citizens, journalists, and uniformed LEAs are exempt. | Allowed |
Who Is Exempt From the Ban
The pillion riding ban will not apply to women, children, senior citizens, journalists, and uniformed law enforcement personnel. These exemptions are important because the restriction can affect daily movement, emergency travel, media coverage, and official security duties during processions.
Even exempt individuals may still face checking at sensitive points, especially near procession routes, imambargahs, majalis venues, and roads placed under special security plans. Motorcyclists should keep identification documents with them and cooperate with police and traffic staff to avoid delays.
| Important: Exemptions apply to the pillion riding ban, but other Section 144 restrictions remain relevant for everyone. |
Legal Action for Violations
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. This means the ban is not only an advisory but an enforceable legal restriction.
For ordinary citizens, the practical message is simple: avoid double riding during the notified period unless the rider and passenger fall within the listed exemptions. Transport plans should be adjusted early, especially in areas where Muharram processions are expected to pass or where traffic diversions may be introduced.
The government says the restrictions are aimed at protecting lives, property, religious harmony, and overall law and order. While such measures can cause temporary inconvenience, officials argue they are necessary during high-sensitivity religious days when any provocation or security breach can quickly create wider public disorder.
| Disclaimer: This article summarizes reported government restrictions for public awareness. Citizens should follow official Home Department, police, and district administration notices for final enforcement details. |
