ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior, Rehman Malik on Friday said that in view of terrorist threats during Ashura, mobile phone service would be suspended for next two days in 46 cities, including the federal capital between 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.
He was talking to mediapersons after chairing a meeting held here to review law and order situation in the country and emerging threats of terrorist acts, and need for temporary suspension of mobile service to prevent terrorists activities.
The minister said information gathered by intelligence agencies and other sources of Ministry of Interior revealed that terrorists were planning more attacks in coming days, particularly in Karachi, Quetta and Islamabad.
He said requests from all provinces for suspension of mobile services were also reviewed in the meeting and added in view of their written requests the meeting took decision to suspend the service.
Rehman Malik said he consulted with Prime Minister, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on the matter and apprised him of written as well as telephonic requests of the provinces and sought clearance from him for closure of mobile services temporary on security grounds, which was very timely accorded by him.
He said in view of terrorist threats, the mobile phone service would be suspended in Hangu and Kohat from Friday.
Enumerating the decisions taken on the basis of information, evidence, personal contacts and reports available with the ministry, he said mobile service would remain suspended from 1300 hrs till midnight in Quetta and Karachi on Friday, (8th of Muharram).
The mobile service would also remain suspended in Sector G-9 of Islamabad from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, (8th of Muharram).
On Saturday (9th of Muharram) the mobile service would remain suspended in G-6 Sector from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
In addition, the Minister said he had issued the instructions to all provinces for strict security during the processions of Muharram al Harram for protection of lives and property of people.
Minister for Interior, Rehman Malik made an appeal to Sunni and Shia Ulema not to use inflammatory and derogatory words or speeches hurting some body's sentiments and feelings and to ensure interfaith harmony.
He thanked the Ulema for their efforts in maintaining peace and harmony in spite of provocation by the terrorists.
He also thanked all the mobile phone service operators for their cooperation and appreciation in taking security measures, to safeguard human lives and property.
Rehman Malik also appealed to the citizens to avoid using motorcycles during Ashura.
The meeting offered Fateha for Shuhada of police, army and LEAs for their brave acts, courage and sacrifice of their lives.
The meeting was also attended by Secretary Interior, Secretary Information Technology, Additional Secretary, Interior, Additional Secretary, Police, Chairman, National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Chief Commissioner, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), IG Police, Islamabad, Consultant of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Member, Telecom, PTA, DC, Islamabad, Director General of National Crisis Management Cell (NCMC) and representatives of intelligence agencies.
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