In a bid to maintain law and order during the holy month of Muharram, Peshawar’s Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) announced the suspension of mobile phone services in the provincial capital on July 17th and 18th. These dates correspond to the 9th and 10th of Muharram, which coincides with Ashura.
The CCPO stated that the decision aims to “prevent any unfortunate incidents” during Ashura. This follows a similar move by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government on July 5th, which authorized the suspension of mobile services in high-risk districts during Ashura.
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, chaired a high-level meeting to discuss preparations for Muharram. The meeting thoroughly reviewed the security plan and other measures to ensure public safety throughout the month.
Officials revealed that Muharram processions and gatherings would be held in 14 districts of the province. Eight districts have been designated as most sensitive, while the remaining six are considered sensitive regarding law and order and security.
To ensure security for processions and gatherings, authorities will deploy around 40,000 security personnel, including special contingents from the Frontier Corps (FC) and the army.
The Chief Minister directed the allocation of necessary financial resources to maintain security. He also emphasized reaching out to religious leaders and elected representatives to promote religious harmony and tolerance during Muharram.
The comprehensive security plan for Muharramul Haram, which commences on Sunday, was finalized on July 7th by the district administration, police, 111 Brigade, and Civil Defence.
