LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister, Azma Bokhari, said Thursday that the decision regarding the suspension of cell services during Muharram will be announced to the “eleventh hour.”
Going to the media in LaHore with respect to the arrangements for Muhram-Uhram, Bokhari recalled that mobile services were not suspended in Punjab during Muharram last year, although the option could be used particularly along the routes of mourning processions this time.
However, he said, it would be premature to make a conclusive statement at this time.
The minister said that the prime minister will make a final decision on the matter when the time comes, after reviewing the reports on the prevailing security conditions.
Meanwhile, Bokhari also confirmed that section 144 is currently being implemented throughout the province, to maintain the law and order and prevent sectarian disturbances. For a consultation, he said that a decision regarding a prohibition of income driving will also be shared with the media soon.
Today early, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that the decision to suspend mobile phone or internet services during Muharram will be taken in consultation with the provinces.
He said this as he presided over a meeting to review the National Security Plan before the religious month. The meeting reviewed the security preparations for Muharram in all provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and the Federal Capital, Islamabad. The officials agreed that strict measures would be taken against people who disseminate religious hatred on social media platforms.
Naqvi declared that all necessary measures and decisions related to Muharram’s security would be carried out through mutual consultations. He affirmed that the federal government would provide full support to maintain peace during the religious month.
On the other hand, the Central Committee Ruet-E-Hilal will meet today in Quetta to observe the Muharram Moon 1447 Hijri.
The president of the Committee, Mulana Abdul Khabir Azad, will preside over the meeting.
While, the meetings of the Ruet-E-Hilal Committees of Zonal and District will also be held simultaneously at its respective headquarters.
