Mobile phone, internet services to be suspended during Muharram 2025?

ISLAMABAD: Higher higher-level meeting of the Nationwide Muharram Security Plan at the Ministry of Interior on Thursday resolved to initiate a crackdown on elements inciting religious hatred on social media during Muharram and take rigid legal action against them.

The meeting was chaired by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in which the security plan for all provinces, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad, was reviewed thoroughly.

In addition to ordering a crackdown against internet-based religious hatred, the meeting directed that clear recommendations be sent to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to stop hate content on electronic and social media.

In addition, it was also decided that every measure would be initiated to maintain peace and tranquility during Muharram.

Suspension of mobile services during Muharram

The gathering did not make a concrete decision regarding the suspension of mobile and internet services during Muharram. It decided to make any such decision in consultation with the concerned provinces, considering the security issues.

“Decisions on the suspensions of internet and mobile services should be taken based on the realities on the ground and the security situation,” the interior minister issued orders to the concerned authorities during the meetings.

He reiterated that everything that is needed will be done and decided through collective consultation. The federation will give full support to all provinces and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan for ensuring law and order, he said.

Naqvi assured that no one would be allowed to cause violence or disturb peace, and promised that there would be strict implementation of the code of conduct in Muharram. Latest technology will be employed for surveillance of processions and gatherings, he said.

IGPs and Home Secretaries of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad presented their respective security plans for Muharram to the interior minister.

The meeting was joined by Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Federal Secretary Interior, Acting Chairman CDA, Commandant Frontier Constabulary, DC Islamabad, DIG Islamabad Police, senior government officials of the Ministry of Interior, and law enforcement agencies.

IGPs, Home Secretaries, DG Rangers Punjab, DG Rangers Sindh, and senior officers from law enforcement agencies of all provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan also joined the meeting through video link.