Muharram Security: Cellular Service Decision Awaited in Punjab

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari stated on Thursday that the determination regarding the suspension of mobile communication services during Muharram will be revealed very close to the start of the month.

While speaking to the press in Lahore concerning the preparations for Muharram-ul-Haram, Bokhari reminded everyone that mobile networks were not shut down across Punjab during last year’s Muharram. However, she noted that the possibility of doing so, specifically along the routes of mourning processions, exists for this year.

She clarified that any definitive pronouncement at this stage would be premature.

The minister conveyed that the chief minister will make a final decision closer to the date, subsequent to reviewing reports on the current security situation.

Additionally, Bokhari verified the ongoing implementation of Section 144 throughout the province to uphold public order and prevent any sectarian disturbances. Responding to a question, she added that an announcement regarding a prohibition on riding motorcycles in tandem will be communicated to the media shortly.

Earlier today, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi mentioned that the decision to discontinue mobile phone or internet access during Muharram would be made in conjunction with the provinces.

He made this statement while presiding over a meeting focused on evaluating the national security strategy in advance of the religious month. The session included a review of security arrangements for Muharram in all provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and the federal capital, Islamabad. Attendees concurred that strict measures would be taken against individuals disseminating religious animosity on social media platforms.

Naqvi stressed that all essential actions and resolutions pertaining to Muharram security would be enacted through collaborative discussion. He guaranteed the federal government’s complete assistance in preserving peace throughout the religious month.

Separately, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to convene in Quetta today to sight the Muharram 1447 Hijri crescent.

Moulana Abdul Khabir Azad, the committee’s chairman, will lead the meeting.

Concurrently, zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal Committees will also conduct their respective meetings at their headquarters.