Balochistan government strengthens security for Muharram, shuts down mobile services

The Balochistan government has announced that mobile and internet services will be suspended in Quetta on 7 and 10 Muharram and has also imposed Section 144 in seven districts to tighten security measures during Muharram.

Balochistan Home Minister Meer Ziaullah Langau said on Friday that mobile and internet services would be suspended from 6 a.m. to midnight on these days.

Muharram, which began on July 8, sees processions and majalis across the country, during which religious scholars address large gatherings amid tight security. Thousands of law enforcement officers are deployed to ensure security during these events.

Reviewing the security arrangements in Quetta, Langau said that 8,000 security personnel will be deployed in the city on the festival of Ashura, 10 Muharram. In addition, five platoons of the Pakistan Army’s Quick Response Force will be on standby.

Mobile phone services will also be suspended in Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad and Usta Muhammad districts on 9 and 10 Muharram. The provincial government has banned pillion riding and imposed Section 144 in seven districts from 1 to 10 Muharram.

Langau stressed the government’s responsibility to maintain law and order and confirmed that security arrangements for Muharram had been completed.

On July 8, the Pakistani federal government approved the nationwide deployment of the Pakistan Army and Civil Armed Forces (CAF) as a security measure for Muharram.

According to a statement from the Interior Ministry, the details of the troop stationing will be clarified with the relevant authorities and the date for the end of the stationing will be determined after mutual agreement of all parties involved.