Balochistan government suspends internet services in several cities during Muharram

QUETTA: The Balochistan government suspended mobile and internet services in several cities on July 7, 9 and 10, Pakistan-based news magazine ARY News reported.

A Balochistan Home Ministry spokesman said the internet blockade would affect Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad, Quetta, Kachhi and Usta Muhammad.

Over 18,000 personnel have been deployed in Quetta to ensure security on Youm-e-Ashurah festival. In addition, two helicopters will be deployed for aerial surveillance of the processions on 7, 9 and 10 Muharram, according to a report by ARY News.

Paragraph 144 was enforced in seven districts, which contains restrictions such as the prohibition of pillion riding to maintain law and order.

Recently, clashes broke out in Haripur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan over road blockades during a Muharram procession in Shah Mohammad village.

Fourteen people were injured in the incident, including two policemen and a journalist. Stone-pelting and chair-throwing also took place, Dawn reported. Police intervened and used tear gas to disperse the two groups. Heightened security measures are in place across Pakistan. Punjab has designated 502 sensitive areas and deployed army and ranger personnel under Section 144 for Muharram.

This is a significant time for Shia Muslims, but there have been instances of sectarian violence in the past that have been exploited by extremist groups to incite fear. Previous attacks during Muharram have resulted in casualties, highlighting ongoing security challenges and the misuse of social media to incite hatred.

Tragic incidents such as the suicide attack on a Shiite mosque in Quetta on 19 January 2007 during Muharram prayers, which left at least 15 people dead and many injured, underscore the severity of these threats.

Similarly, at least 43 people were killed and more than 100 injured in a suicide attack on a Muharram procession in Karachi on December 28, 2009.

Another bomb attack during a Muharram procession in Rawalpindi on November 21, 2012, killed at least 23 people and injured more than 60. These incidents highlight the ongoing security threats during this period of religious celebrations.