Mobile phone services were suspended in Quetta on Tuesday as authorities tightened security measures for the observance of the 7th of Muharram. Officials in the Balochistan Home Department said the suspension was part of security arrangements for Muharram processions and Majalis being held in the provincial capital. Mobile services are expected to remain unavailable until the evening.
Procession and Market Closures in Quetta
The main 7th Muharram procession is scheduled to take place later in the day, with security personnel deployed along the route. Authorities have also ordered the closure of markets and shops located on the procession route as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of participants and maintain public order.
KP Security Plan for Ashura
Separately, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has finalised a province-wide security plan for Ashura, covering the 9th and 10th of Muharram. The plan includes the suspension of mobile phone services in selected areas identified as sensitive. Security officials said services would be fully suspended in some localities, while partial restrictions would be imposed in others to help prevent any untoward incidents during the religious observances.
400 Imambargahs Declared Sensitive
According to officials, 400 Imambargahs across the province have been declared sensitive or highly sensitive. In addition, 286 mourning processions have been classified as highly sensitive, while another 190 have been placed in the sensitive category.
Measures for Peaceful Observance
Authorities said the measures were aimed at ensuring the peaceful observance of Muharram and safeguarding mourners throughout the province.
