Pillion riding and weapon display banned as polio vaccination begins
Week-long restrictions imposed in Bannu
The Bannu district administration has banned pillion riding on motorcycles, the display of weapons and the use of tinted vehicle windows for one week. The restrictions were introduced because of security concerns ahead of the anti-polio campaign.
The ban was imposed under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Deputy Commissioner Zia ur Rehman Khattak issued the order on Saturday, and it took effect on Sunday.
The restrictions will remain in place until November 7 across the district. The district police officer had informed the administration that the polio vaccination campaign would run from November 2 to 5.
Security concerns behind the decision
The administration said the measures were necessary because polio vaccination teams and police officers protecting them had faced terrorist attacks in the past. The current security situation also required additional precautions.
Under the order, people are not allowed to ride motorcycles with another person, display weapons or use tinted glasses in vehicles. However, patwaris (land record keepers) and union council secretaries performing official polio campaign duties have been exempted from the weapons display restriction.
Anyone violating the order may face legal action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code. This section deals with disobeying an order issued by a public servant.
Polio vaccination campaign targets 228,000 children
Deputy Commissioner Khattak and District Police Officer Shafiullah Gandapur formally launched the vaccination campaign on Sunday. They began the drive by administering polio drops to children.
Health authorities aim to vaccinate 228,000 children under the age of five in 57 union councils across Bannu. The district administration shared the target in an official statement.
Bannu remains a challenge for polio eradication
Pakistan has reported seven polio cases so far this year, including four from Bannu Division. The area continues to create difficulties for the government’s efforts to eliminate the disease in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A recent World Health Organisation report also highlighted serious security and operational problems in the region. These challenges make it harder for health workers to carry out vaccination activities effectively.
The restrictions show how seriously authorities are treating security concerns during the polio campaign. However, the success of the drive will depend on whether vaccination teams can safely reach children in every area.
Bannu’s four reported cases also highlight the need for stronger protection and public cooperation. Vaccinating every child under five is important to stop the virus from spreading further.
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