Mobile phone services to remain suspended during Muharram

PESHAWAR: Provincial authorities have decided to suspend mobile phone service for two days in several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Muharram 9 and 10 due to security reasons.

As per details, the police officials stated that a letter has been sent to the home ministry seeking the suspension of mobile phone services on 9 and 10 Muharram (July 16 and 17) amid Ashura processions.

Furthermore, official said that measures have been taken to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure foolproof security across the province during Muharram.

Earlier on Monday, the federal government approved the deployment of the Pakistan Army across the country to ensure security during the month of Muharram.

Interior Ministry gave nod to the deployment of armed forces in all provinces after the authorities in Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir requested military deployment to maintain law and order.

The deployment of army troops/assets and civil armed forces troops/assets was sanctioned under Article 245 of the Constitution to ensure peace.

It is pertinent to mention here that Ashura will be observed in Pakistan on July 17 (Wednesday). The provincial government has imposed a ban on pillion riding in Sindh during the 10 days of Muharram.

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