Internet services remain suspended during Muharram

QUETTA: The Balochistan government has decided to suspend mobile and internet services in various cities on 7th, 9th and 10th Muharram, ARY News reported.

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

The government has deployed over 18,000 personnel in Quetta to ensure security during the Youm-e-Ashurah festival. In addition, two helicopters will be deployed for aerial surveillance of the processions on 7, 9 and 10 Muharram.

In addition, Article 144, which prohibits pillion riding and provides for other restrictions to maintain law and order, has been implemented in seven districts until 10 Muharram.

Previously, the federal government had approved the stationing of armed forces across the country to ensure security during the month of Muharram.

The move came following a request by authorities in Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to deploy military forces to maintain order.

READ: Army deployed nationwide to ensure security in Muharram

Based on Article 245 of the Constitution, the Centre authorized the “deployment of army troops/assets and troops/assets of the civil armed forces” to ensure peace.

It is important to note that Ashura is celebrated in Pakistan on July 17 (Wednesday). The provincial government has imposed a ban on pillion riding in Sindh for the 10 days of Muharram.

Ashura is observed on the 10th day of the month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year, which commemorates the great martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala.