The Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Monday chaired a high-level security meeting to review the 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 & Gandhawa district Jhal Magsi, 12 cities of AJ&K, one from Gilgit-Baltistan, 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 the 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 fool-proof 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, the Interior Minister 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 co-ordination between intelligence agencies and police for quick response to any untoward situation. The Interior Minister pointed out that there should be no slackness in provision of fool-proof security till the end of Muharram.-PR