Mobile phone services will remain suspended in all major cities across the country to maintain law and order during the 9th and 10th of Muharram, sources have confirmed.
Ashura is one of the deeply revered events for Muslims across the world. Processions are carried out as part of religious activities. In order to maintain security in various cities across the country, the Ministry of Interior has sent the recommendations for suspension of mobile phone service and pillion riding.
Mobile Service Suspension on Friday
In certain cities with more sensitive situation, the government has already enforced a partial cellular service suspension on Muharram 8. Faisalabad, Jhang and adjoining districts in Punjab and areas in Karachi along with a few other districts of Sindh are among those experiencing the unannounced cellular service suspension from early Friday morning.
According to the sources, as per the directives of the Ministry of Interior, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has already announced that mobile phone service will remain suspended in 42 cities of the country including the federal capital on Muharram 9 and 10.
Pillion Riding Ban
In addition to the suspension of mobile phone service there shall remain a ban on pillion riding for the 9th and 10th of Muharram, which fall on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
As per the tradition, cities across Sindh, including Karachi, Larkana, Sukkur, Hyderabad have been marked as most sensitive regions during the two days of religious activities. According to the sources, elaborate security plans have been put in place to ensure safety of the Ashura processions. In addition to the deployment of over 23 thousand Police officers, 26 snipers have also been posted at high rise buildings across the procession route.
Alternate Traffic Routes
Alternate traffic routes have been announced in Karachi for Muharram 8, 9, and 10 to keep a smooth flow of traffic during the Muharram congregations and processions. M. A. Jinnah Road has been divided into 23 sub-sectors, whereas all 287 entry points to M.A. Jinnah Road, including the shops on the route have been sealed. All major processions shall be allowed to come on road only after it is given a clearance from the bomb disposal squad.
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