Entry of motorbikes on motorways: SC rejects NH&MP's plea against IHC order

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the National Highway and Motorways Police (NH&MP) plea to suspend Islamabad High Court's (IHC) order that allowed entry of motorbikes on motorways. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on 10-12-2019 approved the admission of motorbikes on the national highways and motorways.

The federal government in March 2019 allowed the entry of motorbikes on highways and motorways through notification with certain conditions that the riders will have to obtain a biker card by the NH&MP for this purpose. The minimum age limit for acquisition of a bike card shall be 30 years, subject to medical certificate issued by an authorized medical officer, it further said.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice Mushir Alam heard NHMP appeal against the IHC decision. The bench turned down the NHMP plea to suspend the IHC judgment allowing the entry of bikers on highways and motorways.

Additional Attorney General Amir Rehman informed that according to National Highway Safety Ordinance 2000, the motorcyclists are not allowed on the motorways.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah observed that it is mandatory for the government to give reasons for prohibiting bikers, adding all over the world people ride motorbikes on highways and motorways. He asked the AAG to show a notification if the government has banned the motorcycles on motorways.

Amir Rehman told the bench that no formal notification in this regard has been issued, but signboards have been placed at the entry points. He said the motorbikes on motorways have been banned due to security and safety purposes. In China, Indonesia and Philippines the motorbikes are banned on motorways, he added.

However, Justice Mansoor observed that not only the motorcycles but the cycles are allowed on the highways, adding the government has no concern for their safety. Justice Mushir Alam remarked that the government has power to regulate motorcycles on motorways.

The AAG said in 2010 the motorcyclists were allowed for three years. He said according to IHC verdict, the Chingchi and not bikers are allowed on motorways. He said due to many entry points, it was difficult for the NH&MP to regulate motorcycles on motorways. The case was adjourned for 10 days.