Residents of surrounding localities unable to use mobile phones. PHOTO: FILE
Jammers installed in Adiala Jail to block communication between high-profile prisoners with their accomplices are disrupting cellular phone services in surrounding localities, inconveniencing residents.
“The jammers, according to an official, were installed a few months ago after media reports that terrorists were in contact with their accomplices,” said a police constable, who wished not to be named.
Hundreds of residents on Wednesday blocked Adiala Road outside the jail by staging a protest. The protesters demanded the jail authorities change the range and frequency of the jammers so that residents living in the surrounding localities would not be affected.
The protesters held banners demanding the jammers’ range be limited to within the jail premises. They said they had complained to the jail administration regarding the problem but no step was taken to resolve the issue. They added that they were unable to use their mobile phones because they could not receive signals due to the jammers.
“Our demands
were ignored by jail as well district administrations, leaving us with no option but to stage a protest,” said Sajid Khan.
“Mobile subscribers in the vicinity of the jail began experiencing network problems the day the jammers were made functional,” said Khalid Abbassi, another protester.
The residents complained that they had to go outside the range of the jammers to make calls. “Around 30,000 people living in the surrounding localities are facing problems,” said Mujahid Akbar, a local.
Even officials in government offices located at a distance face problems in making contact due to jammers.
The problem has persisted for several months. We have to use landlines and we’re issued notices when inflated bills are received,” said Asad Ali Satti, a jail employee.
The jail superintendent could not be reached for comment. Arif Hassan, a police official who was on gate duty said, “The jammers’ range is limited but after receiving complaints the authorities have called engineers to fix the problem.
The protesters dispersed peacefully after getting an assurance from the jail administration that the problem would be fixed as soon as possible.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 6th, 2014.
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