Muharram security: Cellular services partially suspended in major cities

KARACHI: Mobile phone services were again partially suspended in major cities across the country on Saturday due to strict security arrangements to safeguard Muharram processions. Cellular and internet services were partially suspended in parts of Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and other cities beginning today, as authorities finalised arrangements ahead of the processions. Mobile phone services had also been partially suspended in different parts of the country on Friday. The main procession in Karachi starts from Nishtar Park today and will culminate at Hussainian Iranian imaambargah in Kharadar. Ninth Muharram being observed across country amid tight security In Karachi, the main procession will be taken out from Nishtar Park Meanwhile, the streets and roads linked to MA Jinnah Road have been blocked with shipping containers. A large number of police and paramilitary troops have been deployed on the route of the main procession. The government has already banned pillion riding in Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar in wake of Ashura security. Metro bus services have also been suspended in Rawalpindi and Islamabad on 9th and 10th Muharram.