Pillion riding ban imposed for 10 days amid security concerns
The district administration of Bajaur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa imposed the restriction under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The order was issued by Deputy Commissioner Adnan Farid’s office following reports from intelligence agencies and police.
Why the ban was imposed
The administration said the decision was based on the current security situation and concerns that motorcycles could be used in terrorist activities. Officials said immediate steps were needed to protect the public and maintain peace in the district.
The notification stated that the deputy commissioner was “satisfied that are sufficient grounds to proceed under Section 144 of the CrPC as immediate preventive measure to ensure public safety, avert any untoward incident, maintain law and order situation and peace in the district”. The restriction took effect immediately and will remain in place until November 7, unless authorities change or withdraw it earlier.
Legal action against violators
Anyone found violating the order may face legal action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code. This section deals with disobeying an order lawfully issued by a public servant.
The latest restriction is not the first such measure in Bajaur this year. Authorities also imposed a 15-day pillion riding ban on September 5, citing security concerns at the time.
KP faces continued security challenges
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has faced repeated terrorist attacks and other security challenges for an extended period. A recent report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies found that violence-related deaths across Pakistan rose by 83 per cent in the third quarter of 2026, reversing the decline recorded in the first two quarters.
The report identified Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan as the main centres of violence during the period. Together, the two provinces accounted for 98 per cent of all reported fatalities, with 829 deaths in Balochistan and 556 in KP.
Security measures and the wider situation
The Bajaur pillion riding ban is a preventive measure intended to reduce possible security risks while authorities monitor the situation. Its impact will depend on the local security situation and how effectively the order is enforced.
Repeated restrictions show the security pressure faced by communities in parts of KP. The reported rise in violence-related deaths also highlights the wider challenge facing authorities across the country.
The ban places temporary limits on motorcycle travel by more than one person in Bajaur. Authorities say the measure is intended to protect public safety, while the wider security situation remains a concern in KP and Balochistan.
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