Islamabad ( The COW News Digital)Due to heightened security concerns, the government has decided to suspend mobile phone services across Pakistan on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, in an effort to ensure public safety during the religious processions and gatherings.
According to a police spokesperson, the suspension of cellular services will begin on Friday afternoon (8th Muharram), immediately after Jummah prayers, and is expected to continue until 10:00 PM on the night of Ashura (Sunday, 10th Muharram). This decision has been taken in light of past incidents where mobile communication was allegedly used to coordinate acts of violence or unrest during sensitive religious events.
The police emphasized that this step is aimed at strengthening security along the routes of religious processions, improving surveillance in sensitive and high-risk areas, and preventing any untoward incidents during Muharram. These measures are part of the broader nationwide Muharram security plan rolled out by law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Security forces will be employing a combination of drone surveillance, CCTV cameras, and advanced monitoring technologies to keep a close watch on all key processions and congregation points. Additional personnel have also been deployed in urban and rural areas known for past security incidents.
Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate with security protocols, avoid large gatherings unnecessarily, and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via emergency helplines. Religious scholars and local organizers have also been taken into confidence to ensure that processions are peaceful and follow designated routes.
While the suspension of mobile services may cause temporary inconvenience, officials reiterated that the safety of citizens and the peaceful observance of Muharram rituals are of paramount importance.
This decision follows a similar pattern from previous years, where service suspension was deemed effective in minimizing the misuse of mobile communication during high-alert days.
The government has also assured that emergency services will remain fully operational and urged the public to plan their communication needs accordingly before the scheduled service suspension begins.
