Precautions: No cellular services likely in city today

Foolproof security measures taken for processions scheduled for Yaum-e-Ali (RA) on Ramazan 21

KARACHI:

Cellular service in Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas and Sukkur will most likely be suspended from 9am till 9pm today to ensure security for the processions scheduled for Yaum-e-Ali (RA) on Ramazan 21.

The Sindh government recommended the federal government to suspend mobile phone service during the said hours. However, the federal government has yet to take a decision.

Meanwhile, fool-proof security arrangements have been made in Karachi for the procession by the law enforcers as nearly 10,000 policemen and Rangers personnel will be deployed in the city, especially at the main procession. The mourners will only be allowed to enter through designated entrances. Security personnel will also be deployed along the route and sharp shooters will be positioned. Several smaller processions, originating from different parts of the city, will converge at Nishtar Park into the central procession. After the majlis, the procession will pass through MA Jinnah Road before ending at Imambargah Hussainian Iranian.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 9^th, 2015.