Mobile phones go silent in Karachi, other cities for security reasons

KARACHI: The telecom operators, on government orders, suspended mobile phone services for around seven hours in ‘sensitive’ cities across the province as part of a security measure for 10th Muharram processions, ARY News reported.

The Sindh Home Department had requested the federal government to suspend mobile services in some of the cities including Karachi and Shikarpur in view of the law and order situation.

The closure will remain effective until Ashura processions culminate at their destinations, which is likely to be around 7pm.

Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan had yesterday reviewed requests from provincial governments to jam cellular service in various cities due to the ongoing security situation.

Officials said Punjab requested the suspension of service in 16 cities, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 12 cities, Balochistan in Quetta, Machh in the Jaffarabad district and Jhal Magsi in the Gandhawa district.

The minister directed the police to ensure foolproof security for Muharram processions, mosques, imambargahs and other religious places.