In a statement, the interior minister said that he doesn't want to inconvenience the general public by suspending cell phone services despite the security concerns.
His statement came shortly after Punjab police sent an application to the interior ministry asking for the suspension of cell phone services on the morning of the first day of Eidul Azha.
Former interior minister Rehman Malik responded to Nisar's decision on Twitter.
I endorse the security steps being taken by Ch Nisar Int Minister/prov chief minsters. Is mob services more impt than human lives.?
— Senator Rehman Malik former Interior Minister Pak (@SenRehmanMalik) October 15, 2013
According to the request of Punjab Police, a shut down of cell phone services was sought from 6am to 11am.
"The suspension of mobile services reduces the likelihood of remote-controlled explosions," reported Express News correspondent Nauman Shaikh.
"It was suggested that the services be suspended at least till Eid prayers are offered to ensure security," he added.
The police said that if jammers are put in place outside mosques during the time of Eid prayers, it will help ensure security.
Interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had earlier said that mobile services might be suspended on Eid if the provincial governments demand it.
Earlier on Tuesday, a bomb planted in a microphone killed the governor of Afghan province Logar as he was giving a speech after Eid prayers.
COMMENTS (5)
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yes ban everything in pakistan..which is western..dont study numbers as 0ZERO was Invented by Indian Aryabhatt...dont tell ur childrens to read pythagoras theoreom as that too was invented by Indian Baudhyan....
When cellular services are suspended, it looks that government has come at defencive postion against terrorism.
Punjab Police does not know that PPP government has changed and it is the government of Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif.
The IG of Punjab is unware that Ch. Nisar is the new Minister of Interior and not Rehman Malik who use to shut down cellular phone service every now and then.
I would request Secretary Interior to call IGP Punjab and inform him about the change of the government, so that Punjab Police should not make such requests of shutting down the mobile phone service any more.
When will we stop hearing from @SenRehmanMalik? Bhai please!
Hip hip hurray!!!