ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reviewed a security plan on Monday for maintaining peace during Muharram across Pakistan, emphasizing considerations on internet shutdown requests.
The meeting reviewed security situations nationwide, including in Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad.
Decisions included a ban on drones during processions from 1st to 10th Muharram. Shutdowns of internet and mobile services will be decided in consultation with provinces based on security assessments, balancing public inconvenience with security imperatives.
“Citizens face problems due to internet or mobile phone outages”, said Mohsin Naqvi, urging decisions grounded in security realities.
Federal and provincial support for peace in Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, and Azad Kashmir was affirmed, addressing local needs related to public order.
Preparations for rain during rallies were mandated, with strict entry/exit checks and surveillance via cameras at gatherings. Security at mosques, imambargahs, and places of worship was prioritized.
IGs Police and Interior Secretaries from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad briefed on Muharram peace plans. Federal Secretary Interior, Secretary Religious Affairs, Chairman CDA, and IG Islamabad Police were also present, along with Ministry of Interior and law enforcement officials.
The Punjab government’s request to suspend social media access from 6th to 11th Muharram to curb misinformation and incitement was based on intelligence warnings of potential disruptions to peace.
