Army to be deployed in Sindh during Muharram

KARACHI:

The Ministry of Interior has approved the deployment of Pakistan Army, Rangers, and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel in Sindh during Muharram following a request from the provincial government due to security concerns.

The Sindh Home Department had submitted the request for the deployment of additional security forces to the interior ministry earlier.

The troops will be deployed under Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 to assist civil administration across the country, including Sindh.

"The army is being deployed to assist civil administration," the interior ministry's order stated.

The ministry informed that the deployment will be based on ground conditions, and provincial authorities will have the authority to manage the deployment.

The home department of Sindh has coordinated with military officials to prepare a roadmap for the deployment during Muharram. Military units will be stationed as needed, following mutual consultations among relevant parties.

The Muharramul Haram crescent was sighted and Youm-e-Ashur (10th of Muharram) will be observed on Wednesday, July 17 across Pakistan, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced on Saturday.

Muharram is the month of mourning for the seventh-century martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and his family and companions during the battle of Karbala.

Security is beefed up across the country for the many processions taken out by the believers.

The country has seen a raft of attacks at imambargahs and processions in the past.

On July 5, the Punjab government requested the interior ministry to shut down internet services and social media apps including Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp, along with other applications from Muharram 6 to 11 to control the dissemination of hate material and misinformation in a bid to avoid sectarian violence, as reported by the media.

However, sources revealed that the government has turned down the provinces' request to block these platforms and instead emphasised bolstering security measures during Muharramul Haram.