Bajaur pillion riding ban for 10 days, 29 October to 7 November, over security threat

The district administration in Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has banned pillion riding on motorcycles for 10 days from Thursday 29 October to 7 November, citing the security situation. The order, issued by Deputy Commissioner Adnan Farid under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, takes effect immediately, Dawn reported.

What the Bajaur order says

• Ban: no one may ride as a passenger (pillion) on a motorcycle anywhere in Bajaur district.
• Dates: 29 October to 7 November 2026, unless the administration changes or withdraws it earlier.
• Reason: reports from intelligence agencies and police of a "possible use of motorcycles in terrorist activities", which the order says called for immediate preventive action to protect the public and keep the peace.
• Penalty: breaking a Section 144 order is an offence under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (disobeying an order by a public servant), which can mean arrest and a fine.
• Exemptions: Dawn's report of the order mentions none.

This is the second such ban in Bajaur this autumn: a 15-day pillion riding ban was imposed on 5 September, also on security grounds.

Why now

Violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan has risen sharply. The Centre for Research and Security Studies found violence-linked deaths across Pakistan rose 83% in the third quarter of 2026, with the two provinces accounting for 98% of them: 829 deaths in Balochistan (nearly 59% of the national total) and 556 in KP (over 39%), Dawn reported.

What it means for people in Bajaur

For many families in Bajaur a motorcycle is the only transport, and two to a bike is how people get to work, school, hospital and the bazaar. Until 7 November:

• Ride alone, and carry your CNIC and the bike's registration papers, since checkpoints are likely to be stricter.
• Plan other transport for anyone who usually rides behind you, especially for hospital visits.
• Keep your bike's documents current: check what you owe with our token tax calculator.