Govt bans drone cameras for Muharram processions; Here’s why

ISLAMABAD: The government has imposed a nationwide ban on the use of drones for security purposes during Muharram processions and gatherings from 1st to 10th Muharram, here on Monday.

However, decisions related to internet or mobile phone shutdown will be made in consultation with the respective provinces based on security concerns.

According to media reports, under the chairmanship of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, an important meeting regarding maintaining law and order during Muharram was held in the Ministry of Interior. In the meeting, the security plan for Muharram in all provinces, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad was reviewed in detail.

In the meeting, it was decided to ban the use of drones for security during processions and congregations of 1st to 10th Muharram across the country. The decision to shut down the internet or mobile phones will be taken in consultation with the respective provinces keeping in mind the security concerns.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that shutting down the internet or mobile phones causes inconvenience to people, decisions should be made keeping in mind the ground realities and security situation. He assured that the federal government will provide all possible support for the establishment of peace in the provinces, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad.

Naqvi stressed on meeting the security requirements of the provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, preparing advance plans for processions and gatherings in the forecast of rain, and implementing strict checking at entry and exit routes. Processions and gatherings will be monitored through cameras.

The interior minister emphasized on the observance of code of conduct and security of mosques, Imambargahs and other places of worship. IGs of Police and Home Secretaries of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad gave a briefing on Muharram peace plan.

Federal Secretary Interior, Federal Secretary Religious Affairs, Chairman CDA, IG Islamabad Police, Ministry of Interior and senior officials of law enforcement agencies participated in the meeting.

Chief Secretaries, IGs of Police, Interior Secretaries of all provinces, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Commandant of Frontier Constabulary, Frontier Corps Balochistan North South and senior officials of law enforcement agencies participated in the meeting through video link.