Peshawar – Authorities have announced the suspension of mobile phone service in Peshawar on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. The decision is part of strict security measures during the religious observance of Ashura.
According to a police spokesperson, mobile phone service will be suspended after Friday prayers on the 8th of Muharram. The service will remain unavailable until 10 PM on the night of Ashura, which falls on Sunday.
Officials say this step is aimed at maintaining peace and avoiding any untoward incidents during mourning processions. The move will especially help secure sensitive areas along the procession routes.
Police noted that the suspension of mobile phone service is a preventive measure. It helps to control communication that may be misused to disrupt public order. In the past, such suspensions have been effective in preventing incidents during religious gatherings.
In addition to this, advanced surveillance systems are being deployed across the city. These include drone cameras, CCTV networks, and modern monitoring tools to observe the movement of processions in real time.
Security forces will be present in large numbers throughout Peshawar. Law enforcement will be on high alert to handle any emergency. Checkpoints and roadblocks will also be set up in key areas to regulate movement and ensure public safety.
Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate during this time. People are advised to avoid unnecessary travel near procession routes and follow instructions from security personnel.
The city’s administration has assured the public that these steps are necessary for their safety. While the temporary suspension of communication services may cause inconvenience, officials emphasize that public security is the top priority.
Such decisions are not new and are part of a broader strategy used nationwide during major religious events.
Authorities have also taken similar precautionary steps in response to political events. For instance, Internet and Mobile Services to Be Suspended Ahead of PTI Protest highlights how communication services are often restricted to maintain public order during mass gatherings.
