KARACHI: The Sindh government has requested the suspension of mobile phone services across the province on Youm-e-Ashura, which will be observed on Sunday, July 6, to maintain law and order.
The Sindh Home Department has sent a formal request to the Ministry of Interior, asking to suspend mobile internet services along the routes of Ashura processions to avoid any possible security threats.
The department has also urged the Ministry to follow existing security protocols and update the provincial authorities on the final decision.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirmed on Thursday that the moon of Muharram 1447 Hijri had been sighted in Pakistan, making July 6 (Sunday) the day of Ashura.
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam. The 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), along with his family in the battle of Karbala.
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Every year, processions and majalis are held across the country during Muharram. Religious scholars deliver sermons to large gatherings, while thousands of security personnel are deployed to ensure peace.
To strengthen security, the Ministry of Interior has already approved the deployment of the Pakistan Army and civil armed forces across the country during Muharram.
According to an official notification, the federal government took this step after receiving requests from all provincial governments, as well as the administrations of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad Capital Territory.
The deployment will take place under Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. Local authorities will decide the number of troops and duration of deployment based on the ground situation and in consultation with federal and provincial bodies.
