Balochistan Suspends Internet for Youm-e-Ashurah Security

The Balochistan government has suspended mobile and internet services in several cities on July 7, 9, and 10 to ensure security during Youm-e-Ashurah. The affected cities include Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad, Quetta, Kachhi, and Usta Muhammad.

Over 18,000 personnel have been deployed in Quetta, and two helicopters will be used for aerial surveillance of processions on 7, 9, and 10 Muharram. Section 144 has been enforced in seven districts, which includes restrictions like banning pillion riding to maintain law and order.

Recently, clashes erupted in Haripur district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province over road barricading during a Muharram procession in Shah Mohammad village. The incident resulted in injuries to fourteen individuals, including two policemen and a journalist, with reports of stones and chairs being thrown. Police intervened using tear gas to disperse both factions.

Heightened security measures are in place across Pakistan, with Punjab designating 502 sensitive areas and deploying army and Rangers personnel under Section 144 for Muharram. The period is significant for Shia Muslims but has historically seen sectarian violence, exploited by extremist groups to provoke fear.

Previous attacks during Muharram have resulted in casualties, underscoring ongoing security challenges. Tragic incidents include a suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Quetta on January 19, 2007, which resulted in at least 15 deaths, and a suicide bombing targeting a Muharram procession in Karachi on December 28, 2009, which claimed the lives of at least 43 people. Another bomb attack during a Muharram procession in Rawalpindi on November 21, 2012, resulted in the deaths of at least 23 people.