ISLAMABAD, JULY13: Internet and mobile phone services in Quetta would be unavailable on Muharram 7 and 10, from 6 a.m. until midnight, according to a statement made on Friday by Meer Zia Ullah Langau, the home minister of Balochistan.
In order to improve security during Muharram, the provincial government has also implemented Section 144 in seven districts.Langau announced that 8,000 security guards would be stationed in Quetta on Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, during his visit to assess security plans in different areas of the city. In addition, the Pakistan Army’s five Quick Response Force platoons would be ready.
Additionally, Langau announced that on Muharram 9 and 10, cellular service will be unavailable in the districts of Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad, and Usta Muhammad. From Muharram 1 to 10, the provincial government has enforced Section 144 in seven districts and outlawed pillion riding.He reminded the media that it is the government’s duty to uphold law and order and assured them that all security plans for Muharram have been finalized.
On the other hand, on July 16 and 17, which fall on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) of Peshawar would suspend mobile phone services in the city. The CCPO justified this choice as a precautionary step to avert any regrettable events on Ashura. This comes after the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government issued a similar instruction on July 5th, requiring the suspension of mobile service during Ashura in high-risk districts.
