LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that the provincial government will announce its decision regarding the suspension of mobile services during Muharram at the “eleventh hour.”
Speaking at a press briefing in Lahore on Thursday, Bokhari noted that no province-wide suspension was enforced last year. However, this year, services could be temporarily blocked along specific mourning procession routes if needed.
She emphasized that a final decision would depend on the security situation closer to the event. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will take the final call after reviewing detailed reports from law enforcement agencies.
Meanwhile, Section 144 has already been imposed across the province to prevent any potential sectarian tensions. Responding to media queries, Bokhari said a separate announcement would be made regarding a possible ban on pillion riding during Muharram.
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that any decision to suspend mobile or internet services would be made in consultation with provincial governments. He shared this while chairing a high-level meeting to review the national Muharram security plan.
In a separate development, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, led by Moulana Abdul Khabir Azad, will meet today in Quetta to sight the Muharram moon. Zonal and district committees will also meet in their respective regions to confirm the start of the Islamic month.