RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: Though pillion riding was banned in Rawalpindi on Monday on the eve of Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) but motorcyclists didn’t defy the administration’s orders as except blockage of certain roads, no such security measures seemed implemented effectively.
In order to avoid any untoward incident, the district administration had imposed a complete ban on pillion riding today in Rawalpindi where mourning processions with Alam, Tazia and Zuljinah were being taken out in the district to mark Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A), 40th day after the observance of 10th Muharram (Ashura).
However, motorcycles were still carrying two people, clearly indicating that the police failed to ensure the pillion riding ban. Likewise, mobile services remained operational throughout the day.
But as the Chehlum processions began their journey, certain roads including the famous Murree road in Rawalpindi were closed with barriers, causing inconvenience for travelers to reach their respective destinations.
Since no prior notice was issued regarding closing of certain roads; therefore, people coming from Islamabad for Saddar or Raja Bazar area of Rawalpindi had to return and take alternative routes – IJP road or Islamabad Expressway – to reach those areas.
By and large, mourning processions ended peacefully in which Zakirs and scholars highlighted the significance of the supreme sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) and his followers.
