As part of heightened security arrangements for the 8th of Muharram, mobile phone and internet services have been partially suspended in various parts of Karachi, causing significant inconvenience to the city’s residents on Friday. The  disruptions began early Friday and are expected to continue throughout the day, especially in areas designated as sensitive during the Muharram procession by law enforcement. 

Some areas of the city are also experiencing reduced connectivity and mobile and internet services, which are near the high-security zone in the city. The suspension of internet and mobile phone connectivity is part of preemptive measures aimed at securing mourning processions and religious gatherings during the holy month of Muharram-ul-Haram.

In Karachi, police and Rangers have been deployed along procession routes, and their checkpoints have been set up to monitor movement and prevent any untoward incident.Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi formally issued a notification under Article 245 of the Constitution, authorising the deployment of the Pakistan Army across all provinces, including Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The deployment is part of a comprehensive nationwide security strategy to ensure peace during Muharram. The notification confirmed that the armed forces would operate in coordination with provincial governments and district administrations to assist civilian law enforcement in maintaining order and safeguarding public gatherings.

The number of personnel deployed will be determined based on local needs and the security landscape. In Punjab, over 25,000 police officers have been deployed across the province, with more than 2,600 specifically assigned to maintain law and order in Lahore alone, according to a Punjab Police spokesperson. 

To facilitate public observance of Ashura, the federal government has declared Saturday, July 5, and Sunday, July 6, 2025 (9th and 10th of Muharram-ul-Haram 1447 AH), as public holidays. Similarly, the Sindh government has also issued a notification announcing holidays across the province on both dates. All government and semi-government offices, including local councils and autonomous bodies, will remain closed.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)