KARACHI: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has declared that mobile services in certain areas of Karachi will experience partial suspension until the 10th of Muharram (July 29).
The decision to suspend services was made following instructions from the Ministry of Interior, as part of security measures during the holy month of Muharram.
Consumers have lodged several complaints, reporting disruptions to mobile services at various times and some facing complete shutdowns in certain areas.
The affected localities include Steel Town, Gulshan-e-Hadid, Jaffer e Tayar Society, Malir 15, Future Colony, Dawood Chowrangi, and Haji Zakaria Goth. Partial suspensions are also in effect in Shah Latif Town, Bhitaiabad, Memon Goth Main Market, Bin Qasim Town, and other regions.
The federal government has declared public holidays on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (July 28 and 29) to observe Ashura.
The first of Muharram, marking the beginning of the new Islamic year 1445 AH, will be observed this evening (July 20), and Youm-e-Ashura will be observed on July 29 (Saturday).
As part of the security measures during the holy month, the Government of Sindh has banned pillion riding on Muharram 9 and 10 under Section 144 of the CrPC.
Additionally, the federal government has approved the deployment of armed forces across the country to ensure security during the holy month of Muharram.
