In a recent announcement, the provincial Home Department of Punjab stated that mobile phone services will be partially suspended across various cities on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. This measure is aimed at maintaining law and order during the significant religious processions and gatherings associated with Muharram.
According to the spokesperson for the Home Department, the suspension of mobile services will not be comprehensive in any city. Instead, the service will be selectively suspended in specific areas where processions and gatherings are expected. This approach ensures that communication remains largely unaffected while prioritizing security in sensitive locations.
The partial suspension will generally be in effect from 8 am to 10 pm on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram. However, some districts will not experience any suspension of mobile services. These districts include Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sargodha, Khushab, and Sialkot. Additionally, mobile services will remain fully active in Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Vehari, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Okara, and Chiniot.
Conversely, cities such as Gujranwala, Narowal, Toba Tek Singh, and Bhakkar will see partial suspensions. Similarly, Mandibahauddin, Wazirabad, and Rajanpur will experience service disruptions in certain areas. Faisalabad, Bahawalnagar, and Hafizabad are also on the list of cities with partial suspensions.
Rawalpindi, a significant urban center, will have mobile services suspended at 28 locations. In Rahim Yar Khan, there will be suspensions at 15 locations. Other affected areas include Mianwali and Bahawalpur, with suspensions at 11 locations each, Layyah with 10 locations, Muzaffargarh with 7 locations, and Nankana Sahib with 6 locations.
The decision to suspend mobile services at these specific locations has been made to maintain law and order during Muharram. This period marks a time of heightened religious activity and large public gatherings, which necessitates stringent security measures to prevent any untoward incidents. The partial suspension of mobile services is seen as a preventive step to minimize risks and ensure the safety of the public.
The provincial Home Department has emphasized that these measures are temporary and targeted. The aim is to strike a balance between maintaining public safety and minimizing inconvenience to citizens. By restricting mobile service only in areas with processions and gatherings, the authorities hope to reduce the potential for misuse of communication channels that could lead to security breaches.
In recent years, similar measures have been implemented during Muharram and other significant events, reflecting a broader strategy to leverage technology for public safety. The selective suspension of mobile services has proven to be an effective tool in managing large crowds and ensuring smooth conduct of religious observances.
Citizens in the affected areas are advised to plan accordingly and stay informed about the specific locations where service suspensions will occur. The Home Department has assured the public that all efforts are being made to minimize disruption while prioritizing their safety.
