Pakistan tightens security, blocks mobile services for Muharram processions

Authorities on Monday suspended mobile services in Karachi and parts of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar as part of security measures for Muharram processions, a day ahead of Ashura.

Authorities on Monday suspended mobile services in Karachi and parts of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar as part of security measures for Muharram processions, a day ahead of Ashura.

The day of Ashura is a major religious event for Shia Muslims who commemorate the death of Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It falls on the 10th of Muharram which is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

For the purpose, and to prevent any untoward incidents in areas that have witnessed sectarian violence in the past, authorities have tightened security in several parts of Karachi, Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan, and the Khurram tribal district.

Additional police personnel have been deployed in major metro cities especially for tomorrow when a major procession is expected to mark the occasion.