Mobile phones go silent in four cities

ISLAMABAD: As part of a security measures, the government has decided to suspend mobile phone services in four cities – Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Gujranwala – on Friday.

According to Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, the cellular networks will remain suspended in the four cities from dawn to dusk (8am to 7pm).

The reports were going rounds on the social media that mobile networks may also go silent in Karachi and a few other cities of Sindh, however no official statement was released to corroborate the online reports.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday set aside the conviction of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman condemned to death for blasphemy. This verdict came on an appeal filed by the woman challenging her capital punishment.

A few religious groups have taken to the streets to protest the apex court decision and also gave the strike call on Friday.

The government on Thursday decided to deal the protesters ‘peacefully’ countrywide, however at the same time, the ministers of the Imran-led government warned malcontents not to challenge the writ of the state.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has also formed a committee comprising state minister for interior, information minister and foreign minister to look into the matter and devise a strategy to defuse the ongoing political tension.