The government has suspended cellular services and internet services in Balochistan’s capital Quetta on the occasion of Muharram.
A notification issued by the Balochistan Government stated that mobile phones and internet services will remain suspended in Quetta until Ashura, the 9th and 10th days of Muharram.
The decision was taken on the request of the Central Police Office (CPO) Balochistan to maintain security in the capital city.
Pillon riding has been banned, and more than five thousand policemen beside the Frontier Corps (FC) and Pakistan Army personnel have been deployed in the city to control the situation.
The Balochistan government has also deployed 60 Wing FC and two companies of the Pakistan Army to maintain law and order situations during Muharram in the sensitive districts, including Quetta.
Additional Chief Secretary Home, Saleh Muhammad Nasir, said on tuesday that all security arrangements have been completed regarding Muharram. Sibi, Naseerabad, and Quetta divisions have been declared highly sensitive, 60 wing FC have been deployed for Muharram.
It should be mentioned that Shia community of Balochistan and their religious events have been attacked by the armed religious groups in past. The Hazara community, which make up most of the Shia population in Quetta, have suffered the must casualties in these attacks.