In response to heightened security concerns surrounding the 8th of Muharram, mobile and internet services in several parts of Karachi experienced partial suspension on Friday. The disruptions began in the early hours and continued through the day, especially in zones identified as sensitive by law enforcement due to large-scale religious processions. The communication blackout caused notable inconvenience for residents, many of whom were unable to access basic digital services during the affected hours.
The partial shutdown was initiated as a preventive measure to manage the safety of Muharram processions, with connectivity issues most prominent in areas adjacent to high-security routes. Officials have confirmed that these service suspensions are part of a wider strategy to prevent any security incidents during the religious commemorations, which attract large public gatherings and are considered high-alert periods in urban centers like Karachi.
Law enforcement agencies, including police and paramilitary Rangers, have been deployed in large numbers across the city to ensure peaceful observance. Multiple security checkpoints have been established along procession routes to manage crowd control and vehicle movement. Surveillance teams are also monitoring key locations using digital tools such as drone cameras and CCTV networks to support on-ground security personnel.
Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi has formally issued directives invoking Article 245 of the Constitution, allowing deployment of Pakistan Army units to assist in maintaining law and order across the country. The army has been authorized to station troops in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Each region’s troop deployment will be customized based on situational assessments conducted in collaboration with local governments.
In Punjab, over 25,000 police officers have been assigned duties, including more than 2,600 in Lahore alone. Authorities are aiming to ensure that all religious gatherings proceed without incident while minimizing public disruption. Similar preparations are being executed in other provinces to maintain nationwide security coordination during this sensitive period.
To facilitate observances and processions, the federal government has declared public holidays on July 5 and 6, corresponding to the 9th and 10th of Muharram-ul-Haram. These dates have also been recognized as public holidays in Sindh, where all government and semi-government offices, including local councils and autonomous departments, will remain closed.
The coordination between civilian law enforcement and military units is being closely monitored, with regular briefings provided to both federal and provincial leadership. Citizens have been advised to follow official channels for updates on mobility restrictions, event schedules, and any additional service interruptions expected in the coming days. Telecommunication service providers have also been directed to resume services promptly after the designated security window.
