Mobile, motorcycle ban based on critical intelligence: Rehman Malik
Data shows 460 blasts carried out by motorcyclists, 90% blasts carried out through mobile, says interior minister.
ISLAMABAD:
The decision to ban cellular services and motorcycle riding is based on critical intelligence, said Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Thursday.
He was speaking to media in Islamabad with regard to the security measures taken by the government for Ashura.
Malik said that data showed that around 460 bomb blasts were carried out by motorcyclists, 90% of total blasts were carried out through mobile phones.
He further said that bomb blasts in the last 15 days took place on the same pattern.
Calling the terrorists a part of an organised gang, Malik said they have been planting explosives in cement blocks and connecting them to cellular devices.
Challenge to Mehsud
The interior minister challenged Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Chief Hakimullah Mehsud to prove to him whether Islam allows killing fellow Muslims.
Malik told the media that he and his officers have recently received death threats through text messages. He added that security officials have traced the sender as well.
Authorities request for ban
Malik said that his ministry has received requests from authorities in Punjab, Sindh, tribal areas, Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to ban cellular services and riding motorcycle in certain areas on Muharram 9 and 10. He said the decision will be taken after discussion with stakeholders.
He further clarified that all security-related decisions are approved by Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.
He added that people who had poked fun at him when he first imposed these bans have now realised that I was right and have applauded me for these steps.
The decision to ban cellular services and motorcycle riding is based on critical intelligence, said Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Thursday.
He was speaking to media in Islamabad with regard to the security measures taken by the government for Ashura.
Malik said that data showed that around 460 bomb blasts were carried out by motorcyclists, 90% of total blasts were carried out through mobile phones.
He further said that bomb blasts in the last 15 days took place on the same pattern.
Calling the terrorists a part of an organised gang, Malik said they have been planting explosives in cement blocks and connecting them to cellular devices.
Challenge to Mehsud
The interior minister challenged Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Chief Hakimullah Mehsud to prove to him whether Islam allows killing fellow Muslims.
Malik told the media that he and his officers have recently received death threats through text messages. He added that security officials have traced the sender as well.
Authorities request for ban
Malik said that his ministry has received requests from authorities in Punjab, Sindh, tribal areas, Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to ban cellular services and riding motorcycle in certain areas on Muharram 9 and 10. He said the decision will be taken after discussion with stakeholders.
He further clarified that all security-related decisions are approved by Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.
He added that people who had poked fun at him when he first imposed these bans have now realised that I was right and have applauded me for these steps.