Mobile and Internet Services to Be Suspended in 23 Districts of Punjab During Muharram
In light of security concerns during the holy month of Muharram, especially on the day of Ashura, the Ministry of Interior has decided to suspend mobile and internet services in several sensitive areas across the country.
According to reliable sources, the Ministry of Interior has issued formal instructions to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to enforce the temporary suspension of services. This move comes after multiple provinces, including Punjab, requested communication shutdowns to maintain law and order during religious processions.
As per Punjab’s request, mobile and internet services will remain suspended in 23 districts at various times throughout Ashura. The affected districts include:
- Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Narowal, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, and Wazirabad, where services will be suspended at specific scheduled hours.
- Chakwal, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Bhakkar, and Faisalabad are also among the districts where mobile and internet networks will be temporarily disabled.
- In addition, Jhang, Multan, Lodhran, Okara, Pakpattan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Layyah, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan will experience similar shutdowns based on localized security plans.
This step is being taken as a preventive measure to curb the misuse of communication platforms for spreading rumors or inciting unrest during the religious gatherings and processions of Muharram.
Authorities have assured that the services will be restored immediately after the situation stabilizes and the Ashura-related events conclude peacefully. Citizens are advised to plan accordingly and stay in touch with local administration for updates regarding service restoration timings.
