Punjab Yet to Decide on Mobile Service Suspension During Muharram, Says Minister
LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari announced on Thursday that a final decision regarding the suspension of mobile services during Muharram will be taken closer to the time, depending on the security situation.
Speaking to the media in Lahore about the province’s arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram, the minister noted that no blanket suspension was implemented across Punjab last year. However, she added that authorities may consider temporary service disruptions along specific procession routes if necessary.
🛑 Section 144 and Security Measures in Place
Bokhari confirmed that Section 144 is currently being enforced throughout Punjab to help maintain law and order and prevent any incidents of sectarian unrest. In response to a question, she mentioned that a decision regarding a potential ban on pillion riding would also be shared soon.
🛡️ Federal-Level Preparations Underway
Earlier in the day, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting to review the national security plan ahead of Muharram. The meeting included officials from all provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Islamabad.
Naqvi stated that any decision regarding the suspension of mobile or internet services during Muharram would be made in consultation with provincial governments.
The meeting also emphasized the need for strict action against individuals spreading hate speech or sectarian content online, particularly on social media platforms.
🌙 Muharram Moon Sighting Today
In a related development, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is meeting today in Quetta to sight the Muharram 1447 Hijri crescent. The meeting will be chaired by Moulana Abdul Khabir Azad.
Zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal Committees will also hold their meetings at respective locations to confirm the beginning of the Islamic month.
As Muharram approaches, both federal and provincial authorities are actively working to ensure peaceful observances, while urging citizens to cooperate with security measures and official guidelines.
