Muharram 2025: Peshawar Enforces Section 144, Bans Pillion Riding, Afghan Refugee Movement & Commercial Services

To maintain law and order during the highly sensitive month of Muharram 2025, the district administration of Peshawar has enforced Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Effective from June 27 to July 6, this directive imposes strict restrictions on movement, commercial activity, and public behavior to prevent sectarian tensions and security threats during one of the most significant months in the Islamic calendar.

Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar year and holds deep importance, especially for Shia Muslims, who commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala.

Moon sighted: June 26, 2025
10th Muharram (Ashura): July 6 – Martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (RA)

Section 144: Legal Framework & Purpose

Section 144 empowers local administrations to prohibit public gatherings and impose movement restrictions in the interest of public safety. In Peshawar, it serves as a preemptive tool to:

Prevent sectarian violence
Secure procession routes
Control potential militant threats
Maintain communal harmony

Banned Activities in Peshawar

According to the official statement from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, the following activities are banned:

Pillion Riding

Prohibited citywide to reduce mobility for potential disruptors.
Exemptions: Women, senior citizens, children, and law enforcement personnel.

Movement of Afghan Refugees

Restricted from leaving camps to prevent potential misuse or misidentification during security operations.

Aerial Firing

Strictly banned to avoid panic, injury, or provocations.

Hate Speech and Sectarian Material

Public speeches or publications that incite hatred are criminalized.

Misuse of Loudspeakers

Allowed only for authorized religious announcements or Azan.

Wall Chalking and Provocative Posters

Displaying objectionable content near imambargahs or procession routes is prohibited.

Weapons Display

Complete ban on carrying or displaying any kind of weapons.

Unregistered Vehicles and Tinted Glass

Movement of suspicious vehicles is restricted.

Rooftop Presence

Residents are prohibited from standing on rooftops along processional paths.

Suspension of Commercial Services

To minimize congregation and eliminate logistical risks:

Hotels, Inns & Guest Houses – Closed during Muharram
Rent-a-Car Services – Suspended to prevent unauthorized transport
Gas Cylinder Shops Near Majalis – Closed to prevent fire hazards

Citywide Security Measures in Peshawar

Peshawar will see enhanced deployment of law enforcement, including:

8,500+ police officers
Snap checking at entry/exit points
CCTV and drone surveillance
School closures near routes
Fixed processional routes and emergency coordination at Kohati post
Vehicle ban in red zones on Ashura

Additionally, Pakistan Army is deployed under Article 245 to assist civil authorities nationwide.

National Context: Other Provinces Following Suit

Punjab: Section 144 from July 1–10; pillion riding banned from 7th–10th
Sindh: Similar restrictions; exemptions for women, elderly, journalists
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Province-wide ban on weapons and inflammatory gatherings

Religious Practices & Social Harmony

Muslims observe fasts on 9th and 10th Muharram, offer Sadaqah, and participate in majalis.
Scholars like Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad have urged for unity and respect among sects.

Implications of the Restrictions

✅ Pros

Enhanced public safety
Reduced risk of sectarian unrest
Organized mourning processions

❌ Concerns

Impact on Afghan refugee mobility
Business disruption for hotels, rental services
Implementation challenges in rural areas

Public Sentiment on Social Media

On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), reactions range from praise to concern:

Support for strict enforcement
Criticism over Afghan refugee targeting
Concerns about economic loss for small business owners

Conclusion

Peshawar’s enforcement of Section 144 during Muharram 2025 reflects a proactive and precautionary strategy aimed at ensuring peace during one of the most sensitive months in Pakistan’s religious calendar. The bans on movement, speech, and commercial activity; backed by army deployment and public surveillance, are part of a comprehensive effort to prevent violence and maintain harmony.

As Ashura (July 6) approaches, these measures highlight the government’s balancing act: security vs. freedom, vigilance vs. trust.