Quetta suspends internet and mobile services on 7 and 10 Muharram

QUETTA: Balochistan Interior Minister Meer Zia ullah Langau on Friday said that internet and mobile services in Quetta would remain suspended from 6 am to midnight on 7 and 10 Muharram.

In addition, the provincial government has imposed Section 144 in seven districts as part of the enhanced security measures during Muharram.

Muharram began on July 8 with the sighting of the crescent moon in Pakistan.

Believers hold processions and Subscribe to across the country during Muharram, as religious scholars address large crowds under tight security and thousands of law enforcement officers are deployed to ensure safety.

During his visit to review security arrangements in various areas of the metropolis, Langov said that 8,000 security personnel would be deployed in Quetta on Ashura Day (10 Muharram).

In the meantime, five platoons of the Pakistan Army’s Quick Response Force would remain on standby.

The Home Minister said that mobile phone service would be suspended in Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad and Usta Muhammad districts on 9 and 10 Muharram.

The provincial government has also banned pillion riding and implemented Article 144 in seven districts from 1 to 10 Muharram.

It is the government’s responsibility to maintain peace and order in the city, Langov said, informing the media that security arrangements for Muharram had been completed.

On the other hand, on July 8, the Federal Government of Pakistan approved the deployment of Pakistan Army and Civil Armed Forces (CAF) across the country as a security measure for the duration of Muharram.

According to a statement from the Interior Ministry, the government is seeking to deploy the military to maintain peace and order.

The statement said that the details of the troop deployment, which will be implemented for an indefinite period, will be clarified with the relevant authorities.

The statement also said: “The timing of the cancellation of the application for deployment will be decided at a later date after mutual agreement with all parties involved.”