Mobile services to be suspended in 13 sensitive areas for four hours on Eid
Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Malik said that the decision was taken after receiving credible threats to national security, hence necessitating the move.
Showing letters from provincial governments who requested for the suspension, Malik said that the decision was not taken by one person, rather everyone was taken on board.
The minister added that the Sindh government had requested him to suspend services almost everywhere in the province but he refused to do so, saying that only the areas with security concerns were considered.
The decision was taken after a meeting was held with a five-member committee headed by the secretary interior, he said. “The approval is based on his recommendations.”
Regarding the criticism he faces over mobile service suspension, the minister said that he has and will receive messages on Twitter by several people calling him names and abuses, saying that he has taken the country back into stone-age, in return, Malik requested patience from his detractors. “But I have an obligation. I am the interior minister… and providing security to you is my responsibility.”
The suspension will begin one hour before the Eid prayers commence and will end one hour after they finish, Malik detailed.
“The order of the honourable Sindh High Court was also taken into consideration before making the decision. The court did not order against the suspension, but it said that the decision should be a speaking order… Earlier, we used to fill our own records which were not for public consumption. But this time, based on intelligence, we have sent out a proper notification so it can be seen,” he stated.
Citing security reasons, the minister said that he will not immediately reveal the names of the specific areas where services will be blocked and the names will only be released later.
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COMMENTS (11)
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Mobile telephone service is not suspended for preventing terrorist activities but it is suspended to fill own pockets. Certain individuals including Malik Sahib have established private telephone exchanges. When regular mobile telephone service is suspended then all the calls from abroad are routed through these exchanges and the owners of these exchanges make millions of rupees within a few hours. Good excuse and a good source of income.
Yeah, take that terrorists! Now you're going to have to wait until 10:01 or not sleep in for too long! You sure showed them Mr. Malik.
Security issue does not only limited to Eid-ul-Azha prayers but will continue during all the three days of Eid while different groups and people will be collecting the hides of sacrificial animals, therefore, the ban on cellular phone service should be extended keeping in view of law and order situation in the country, more particularly in Karachi.
Instead of suspending cellular service, govt must seek the way to find the people who misuse mobile service for terrorist activities. Any way, better to safeguard people but it must not be repeated. Seek positive and best ways.
We believe this step has been taken only for our security.
If this suspension saves even a single life then we are all for it.
He is not to be trusted any more... The Supreme Court has already declared him a un-trustworthy liar!
Cell phone blockage is a band-aide - the real cure is to use that large and expensive army to finally get rid of the terrorist.
It is better to suspend the mobile service for the security of innocent peoples because Terrorist Devils and their Fathers always wait for gathering of Innocent people at public place...Very Good Sir Rehman Malik...Good action well intime...Hamid HK
Do something about the threat with real action - military action. Half-hearted efforts such as these (blocking cellular services) is punishing the entire populace whiel the goons still roam free.
and providing security to you is my responsibility.” If you agree with him clap your hands if not send him a message by clicking on recommend.