Cellular services would only be suspended for minimum time: Nisar

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ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Monday here chaired a high-level security meeting to review law and order situation and arrangements made for Muharram.

The Interior Minister also reviewed requests forwarded by the provinces for jamming of cellular phone service in different cities across Pakistan owing to ongoing security situation.

The Interior Ministry had received requests for suspension of cellular services from various provincial governments – Punjab 16 cities, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 12 cities, Balochistan (Quetta, Mach, District Jaffarabad and Gandhawa district Jhal Magsi), AJ&K 12 cities, Gilgit-Baltistan one city, Kurram Agency of FATA and Islamabad.

Observing that jamming of the cell phones causes inconvenience for the general public, the Interior Minister decided that cellular services would only be suspended for a minimum time.

Reviewing security arrangements for the capital city during Muharram the Interior Minister said that zero tolerance approach should be adopted for maintaining law and order in the capital city.

The Interior Minister directed Inspector General of Police to ensure foolproof security for Muharram processions, mosques, and Imambargahs and other religious places.

Appreciating the role of religious leaders of all sects in maintaining peace and promoting harmony in society, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan advised security officials and administration to remain in constant communication with the religious scholars for maintenance of peace.

He directed security officials to maintain better coordination between intelligence agencies and police for quick response to any untoward situation.

The Interior Minister pointed out that there should no slackness in provision of foolproof security till the end of Muharram.