Chehlum security: Mobile phone services restored in Karachi

KARACHI: Mobile phone services have been restored in Karachi and other parts of Sindh, after being shut down as part of the Chehlum security plan.

The Interior Ministry decided to suspend mobile phone services in Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan today (Monday) on Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A).

Sources said the measure had been taken on the strong recommendation of intelligence agencies and PTA had been taken into confidence on it.

Cellular phone services remained unavailable in Sindh from 12:00 noon to 10:00 pm while in Gilgit-Baltistan the suspension was effective from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm.

Mobile services also remained suspended in four districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that include Peshawar, Kohat, D.I Khan and Tank.

As part of strict security measures for the Chehlum of martyrs of Karbala, pillion riding has been banned in Karachi for Nov 20 and 21.

Karachi police detained at least 100 citizens from Sea View for violating ban imposed on pillion riding as part of the security arrangements for the Chehlum of martyrs of Karbala. According to police officials, more than 50 motorcycles were taken into custody and 19 cases registered. 23 people were arrested from Jackson area.

However, according to a notification issued by the Sindh Interior Ministry, old people, children, women, journalists and members of law enforcement agencies have impunity from the ban.