MINGORA: Contrary to the traditional ban on pillion riding in the country, the authorities in Swat have made it mandatory and surprisingly imposed a ban on lone riders. The motorcycle riding, whether it is pillion or lone, was banned in Swat since the military operation concluded in the region. It remained in force after the return of displaced persons and they needed modes of transportation, reports INP.

In view of the improving law and order situation in Swat, the authorities on Tuesday lifted ban on motorcycle riding, but made it conditional with pillion riding. Local administration sources said the ban on motorcycles in the valley has been lifted on the demand of the motorcycle users. Other than the locals, the courier services and representatives of pharmaceutical companies frequently use motorcycles.

Sources in the local administration however said that the condition of pillion riding has been imposed to avert possibility of motorcycle’s use by the suicide attackers. “We welcome the lifting of ban on motorcycles in the valley, but this relaxation is useless for us. Everyday, we go from place to place for business and we go there alone,” Mohammad Saleem Khan, a medical rep said “from where we get a companion to fulfil the conditions.”

Another unique condition is being practiced in Dera Ismail Khan, where motorcycle riders have to “buy” a permit to able them to run their motorbikes on city roads within a stipulated time period – from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The motorbike riders know they have to park their bikes after 4:00 pm, as disobedience of the order will const them a fine of Rs 5,000 and deprivation of the permit.

The Rs 1,800 permit, which is a must keep for every motorbike owner in Dera Ismail Khan Division along with driving licence and other documents, costs an applicant Rs 2,000, which includes Rs 200 to please the issuing clerk for the favour. Another such surprising condition is enforced at Kohat Tunnel, where lone driver, irrespective of the vehicle, cannot cross the tunnel.