The government had decided to suspend cellular and data services in at least four major cities in the wake of intelligence reports that terrorists may attempt to target key installations in sensitive areas.
The decision was taken in response to a request by provincial governments on the eve of Eidul Fitr, according to a press statement released by Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Sunday.
“On the request of provincial governments, it was decided that mobile phone services will be suspended in some cities/areas of the respective provinces as per available intelligence,” the statement read.
Cellular company sources had confirmed that they were asked by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block services in Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Quetta. Services were to remain blocked from 8pm on Sunday till 11am today (Monday).
According to reports on social media, Mobilink, Warid, Telenor, Ufone and Zong had blocked services.
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A very interesting read and a great post alltogether. thanks for sharing this information.You always share the most valuable information. I really appreciate it.
Wait for the next Eid to face the same difficulty and problem intentionally created by the PPP's government only to camouflage its weaknesses,demerits and inabilities from the nation.....
It is encouraging to note that terrorists now have access only to cellphones and no longer to satellite phones and military-grade walkie talkies! ;)
Great....:)
now bIG bOSS is well placed to cut a neat deal with the communication sector...another cow milked flawlessly.....timing is everything....!!! before next EID the harrowed CEOs of these companies will be clambering to get them selves 'registered'...with the dealing clerk (R_M).
A broken finger is a great reminder to a potential target to behave, before he has his hand / job chopped off..... a basic rule in the book of La Cosa Nostra.
Really a dumb way to handle the problem, but that is the normal way that the administration thinks. I remember that Zia wanted to create a uniform standard of educatio between English and Urdu medium schools. The idea that he had floated was that since English medium schools have higher standards, we should make all schools Urdu medium so that we will have uniform standards.
Instead of capturing criminals the government bans pillion riding and shuts down cell phones.
Who was the wise person who suggested shutting down cell phone?.It was a dumb decision which has made Pakistan laughing stock in the world
Media should appreciate efforts made up by security forces to maintain law and order and peace on Eid day, instead of criticizing for blockage of cellular services for few hours, Maybe it had saved many human lives
@moosa khan: This* means that* our govt is* losing* the* war against terrorism*
its mean our govt. loosing war against terrarism.
when govt will have choice between taking risk of a major bomb plots or to suspend the mobile service, choice will be obvious. It may look a bit over the top and failure of other methods to stop such attacks.
If the communication was the problem they will use secure radio provided to them by anti Pakistan forces, they dont rely on mobile networks!
So the terrorists are going to attack again once you restore cell phone service. The only solution government thinks suitable is to push us back into stoneage.
Awesome measure taken by the govt. Would any one appreciate this measure that bore fruit?
and what if they will use Black Berry messenger instead ???