Balochistan Home Minister Meer Zia Ullah Langau announced on Friday that internet and cellphone services in Quetta will be suspended on Muharram 7 and 10, from 6 am to midnight. The provincial government has also imposed Section 144 in seven districts to enhance security during Muharram.
During his visit to review security arrangements in various parts of Quetta, Langau stated that 8,000 security personnel would be deployed in the city on Ashura, the 10th of Muharram. Additionally, five Quick Response Force platoons of the Pakistan Army will be on standby.
Read More: Banks to remain closed for three days
Langau further stated that cellphone services in Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad, and Usta Muhammad districts will be suspended on Muharram 9 and 10. The provincial government has banned pillion riding and imposed Section 144 in seven districts from Muharram 1 to 10. He emphasized the government’s responsibility to maintain law and order, assuring the media that security arrangements for Muharram have been completed.
In a related move, the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) of Peshawar will suspend mobile phone services in the city on July 16th and 17th, coinciding with the 9th and 10th of Muharram. The CCPO explained this decision as a preventive measure to avoid any unfortunate incidents during Ashura. This follows a similar directive by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government on July 5th, mandating mobile service suspensions in high-risk districts during Ashura.
