ISLAMABAD:
Over the last two years, Pakistan has endured 820 terrorist attacks – or more than one attack every single day. More than 90% of these attacks were executed with the help of cell phones. Motorcycles were used in 460 such attacks.
In light of these statistics, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said, cellular services will remain suspended on 9th and 10th Muharram in 46 cities. Already, pillion riding restrictions are in place across all four provinces.
“And I advise people not to bring their motorcycles out on these two days,” Malik told reporters on Friday after chairing a meeting to review Muharram security arrangements.
The interior minister said the army was on high alert in Karachi in the wake of this week’s violence. Malik added that intelligence agencies have warned of more terrorist attacks and the next two days (Saturday and Sunday) were crucial.
“Intelligence agencies have indicated that terrorists can target Karachi, Islamabad and Quetta on these two days,” said the minister, adding that the security plan for the country was prepared in coordination with intelligence agencies.
All security-related decisions have been approved by the prime minister, said Malik.
Cell phones, motorbikes ban
The interior minister said he has received requests from Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), Azad Kashmir (AJK) and 14 districts in Punjab for suspending cell phone services.
The decision to shut down cellular services in Quetta from 1pm to midnight in Quetta and Karachi on Friday was also taken during the meeting.
The minister said the interior ministry has asked the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to shut down mobile networks in 46 cities of the country where the risk of sabotage activities was substantially high.
These districts include Lahore, Multan, Sargodha, Attock, Rawalpindi, Jhang, Rahim Yar Khan, Faisalabad and Gujranwala in Punjab and Quetta, Kalat, Khuzdar, Turbat, Gwadar, Panjgur, Mastung, Kohlu, Dera Bugti and Hub in Balochistan.
In K-P, the service will remain down in Kohat, Ustarzai, Hangu, Bannu, Lakki, DI Khan, Tank, Nowshera, Haripur, Charsadda and Mardan. Kurram Agency (Parachinar), Miramshah, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Neelam Valley, Rawalkot and Mirpur in AJK and all areas in G-B will also observe the same ban.
Officials from several cellular phone service companies confirmed to The Express Tribune that they have received orders for suspension and services had already been suspended in the major cities as per the ministry’s directions.
Pillion-riding has been banned by all provincial governments. However, newspaper hawkers will be allowed to use motorcycles on Saturday from 6am to 10 am, the minister said.
The blanket motorcycle ban will remain suspended in Gilgit city till Sunday. In addition, the G-B government has made it mandatory for all Gilgit residents to carry their national identity cards on them. Without ID cards, entry into the town will be banned, an official said.
Focus on Imambargahs
The meeting chaired by the interior minister focused on the security of sensitive areas in different cities with particular emphasis on imambargahs, said an official who attended the meeting.
The minister directed all police officers and district government heads to ensure the screening of areas around imambargahs for ‘suspicious people and activities’ prior to processions and majalis.
Malik announced a reward of Rs5 million for anyone providing information on Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs). He added that sharp shooters will be placed at vantage points around the imambargahs.
All Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) personnel deployed at Imambargahs and processions will be registered and provided identity cards to display. All such sensitive places will be monitored with CCTV cameras, the minister added. These instructions will be acted upon in Islamabad, G-B, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and parts of AJK. All provincial governments were also advised to follow the same, the official added.
On Friday, Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr and discussed the overall situation in the country, with special reference to the security arrangements during Muharram.
Islamabad on high alert
Malik put Islamabad police on high alert. The minister directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) that security at entry and exit points be enhanced besides patrolling in the sensitive areas.
Two main Ashura processions and Majalis are held in main Imam Bargah sector G-6 and sector G-9. All roads leading to these two sensitive places would be blocked for all kind of traffic. No motorbikes will be allowed to park within half kilometre of the imambargah.
Death threats
Malik said he and some interior ministry officials had received received death threats. He added, however, that the people involved in sending the messages were traced and would soon be arrested.
The interior minister said that the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was involved in the recent terrorist attacks. “There was no conflict between Shias and Sunnis. A third force is involved in terrorist activities,” said Malik.
WITH ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY OUR CORRESPONDENT IN GILGIT
Published in The Express Tribune, November 24th, 2012.
COMMENTS (6)
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are we going back to stone ages. the authorities who have failed to manage the country make such stupid decisions.They need to grow up. My aunt in Quetta died last night because there was no way to call an ambulance and by the time the family was able to arrange a transport, she passed way. how many people might have lost their loved ones. Please get a life and find a better solution as they are putting lives in danger in the name of security.
Well there is a silver lining I guess. My phone's batter usually dies in the evening. And today it was still at 50%. I am guessing I will not need to charge my phone till Monday.
Nawasa e Rasul was all alone when all his companions and family members were martyred. Isn't that a painful sight for anyone with feelings? We shia mourn the tragedy for 2 months and 8 days. If 9th and 10th are national holiday then please use these two days to mourn the Grandson of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh&p)