The Karachi Commissioner has immediately banned pillion riding and all public gatherings, including protests, demonstrations, and rallies in District Central. This prohibition, effective from December 9 to 10, falls under Section 144.
This measure follows the city’s Additional Inspector General (AIG) recommendation on Monday.
A notification issued yesterday stated the AIG of Karachi Police had reported potential disturbances to peace and order by “miscreant and disgruntled elements” in District Central.
Consequently, the Karachi administration has restricted gatherings of more than four people and pillion riding for the next two days to mitigate any potential disturbances.
In response to this directive, Station House Officers (SHOs) at relevant police stations have been empowered to enforce these restrictions.
The preventive steps come in anticipation of a planned event by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-London (MQM-L), led by Altaf Hussain, who faces multiple charges for anti-state activities.
Additionally, police have detained 24 MQM-L members who congregated at Jinnah Ground in the Azizabad area and Liaquat Ali Khan Chowk.
A Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Central confirmed the arrests, noting that the commissioner’s imposition of Section 144 aims to ensure safety and order over the two days.
