KP plans partial suspension of mobile services on Àshura, declares 400 imambargahs as sensitive

PESHAWAR, Jun 22 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has finalized a comprehensive security plan for the observance of Ashura (9th and 10th Muharram) across the province and as part of the security measures, mobile phone services will be partially suspended in selected areas.

According to security officials on Monday, mobile phone services will be completely suspended in some areas, while partial restrictions will be imposed in other sensitive locations. The measures are aimed at maintaining law and order and preventing any untoward incident during the religious observances.

The authorities have declared a total of 400 Imambargahs across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as sensitive or highly sensitive. In addition, 286 processions have been categorized as highly sensitive, while 190 processions have been placed in the sensitive category.

Strict security arrangements are being implemented in Peshawar for Ashura. Mobile phone services will face partial suspension and the Cantonment area will be completely sealed during the central procession on the 9th of Muharram.

On the 10th of Muharram, enhanced security checkpoints and special security cordons will be established at all entry and exit points of the city.

Walk-through gates will be installed around processions and Imambargahs, while CCTV cameras will be used for continuous monitoring. Security forces will also conduct search operations in various areas.

Sources said that some markets in Peshawar’s inner city may be closed in phases. Monitoring of hotels and residential facilities in sensitive areas will be intensified and temporary closures of certain locations are also under consideration.

The provincial government has established a central control room at the Civil Secretariat to monitor security arrangements during Ashura. Monitoring and coordination centers have also been activated in the offices of Deputy Commissioners across all districts of the province.