The Sindh government on Sunday announced that due to the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), mobile communications will be suspended in all major cities of the province, including Karachi, today (Monday).
According to Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar, mobile phone services will be suspended in cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur and Khairpur as part of enhanced security measures.
He also stated that security forces were on high alert and that funeral processions were being monitored from the air to ensure peace and order.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) also issued a statement saying that on the instructions of the Ministry of Interior, voice and data services in Karachi and other cities of Sindh, including Khairpur, Hyderabad Larkana, Sukkur and Shikarpur, would continue to be suspended today.
Two days ago, the provincial government also announced school holidays for all public and private schools throughout the province in commemoration of the Chehlum of Karbala martyrs.
Meanwhile, a ban on pillion riding has been imposed across the province, including Karachi, as part of the safety measures to avoid any untoward incidents on this occasion.
The Rawalpindi Municipality has announced a holiday in the city today due to Chehlum.
Meanwhile, Rawalpindi police have issued a security plan for seven processions for Chehlum, which will be taking place from different Imambargahs of the city.
SSP Operations Hafiz Kamran Asghar said over 4,400 security personnel and officials will be on guard in the city and 215 more will regulate traffic flow.
