Sindh Govt Requests Mobile Service Suspension for Youm-e-Ashura

The Sindh government has requested the temporary suspension of mobile phone services throughout the province on Youm-e-Ashura, which falls on the 10th of Muharram (Sunday), to enhance security measures.

The Sindh Home Department has formally communicated with the Ministry of Interior, recommending the suspension of mobile internet services along the routes of Ashura processions to mitigate potential security threats.

The Home Department has urged the Ministry of Interior to make a determination in accordance with established protocols and promptly notify the provincial government of the decision.

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced on Thursday, following numerous confirmed sightings of the moon across the nation, that the Muharram 1447 Hijri moon had been sighted, designating July 6 (Sunday) as Ashura.

Muharram holds significance as one of the four revered months in Islam. Ashura, observed on the 10th of Muharram, commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), alongside his family members in the Battle of Karbala.

During Muharram, processions and majalis are conducted nationwide, and religious scholars deliver addresses to large gatherings under stringent security arrangements. Thousands of law enforcement personnel are deployed to maintain order.

The Ministry of Interior authorized the deployment of the Pakistan Army and civil armed forces (CAFs) nationwide last week to reinforce security during Muharram.

The decision by the federal government, as stated in the notification, was prompted by formal requests from all provincial administrations, as well as the governments of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the Islamabad Capital Territory.

Troops will be deployed under Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. The extent and duration of these deployments will be decided by local authorities based on evaluations of the security situation on the ground, in consultation with federal and provincial stakeholders.