The border at Taftan and Chaman between Pakistan and Afghanistan will remain closed for two days to ensure security during Muharram 9 and 10 Muharram, sources said Thursday. Sources said that the border crossings would be reopened on Saturday after Ashura. Strict security arrangements have been made across the country on account of Ashura, with the government deciding to temporarily suspend mobile phone services in Karachi and other major cities. Sindh Home Secretary Qazi Kabeer said that cellular services would remain suspended from 8am till 10pm to ensure security on Ashura. Kabeer added that due to security threats, mobile phone services would be suspended along designated Ashura procession routes. Published in Daily Times, September 21st 2018.