Mobile Services to Be Suspended in KP for Ashura Security

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has finalised a province-wide security plan for Ashura, including the suspension of mobile phone services in selected areas on Muharram 9 and 10. The decision is part of precautionary measures designed to protect mourning processions, Imambargahs and sensitive locations during the most security-sensitive days of the Islamic month.

According to officials, mobile phone services will be completely suspended in some high-risk areas, while partial restrictions will apply in other locations depending on the threat assessment. Authorities said the move is aimed at maintaining law and order and preventing any possible security incident during religious gatherings.

The security plan identifies 400 Imambargahs across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as sensitive or highly sensitive. Officials have also categorised 286 mourning processions as highly sensitive, while another 190 processions have been placed in the sensitive category, requiring enhanced monitoring and deployment.

In Peshawar, authorities have prepared special arrangements for Ashura. Mobile phone services will be partially suspended in the city, while the Cantonment area will be completely sealed during the central procession on the 9th of Muharram. Additional security checks are also planned along procession routes.

On the 10th of Muharram, security checkpoints and special cordons will be established at all entry and exit points of Peshawar. Walk-through gates will be installed at key locations, and CCTV cameras will be used for continuous surveillance of processions and gatherings.

Security forces will also conduct search and sweep operations in different parts of the province before and during Ashura. Officials said hotels, guest houses and residential facilities in sensitive areas will be monitored more closely to prevent suspicious movement or misuse of temporary accommodation.

Some markets in Peshawar’s inner city may be closed in phases as part of the security plan. Authorities are also considering temporary restrictions around selected locations depending on ground conditions, intelligence reports and procession movement.

A central control room has been established at the Civil Secretariat to monitor the overall security situation. Coordination centres have also been activated in deputy commissioners’ offices across districts so that police, civil administration and emergency services can respond quickly if needed.

The development carries direct public impact because mobile service suspensions can affect communication, business activity, transport coordination and emergency contact. However, authorities say the restrictions are temporary and necessary to secure religious observances during a period when law enforcement agencies remain on high alert.

The next step will be the implementation of district-level security arrangements as Muharram 9 and 10 approach. Citizens are expected to be advised through official channels about affected areas, alternative arrangements and emergency contact points before the suspension takes effect.