ISLAMABAD: Mobile phone services are most likely to remain operational all over the capital during the upcoming Ashura.

As a part of security measures, the mobile phone services were partially suspended in the capital on Ashura for a couple of years.

Last year, the services were blocked in areas located along the route of Muharram 9 procession.

“The security situation is much better now compared to the previous years so there is no need to suspend mobile phone services,” a police officer said requesting anonymity.

“But a reply is awaited from the quarters concerned for the final decision,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the capital police have started approaching clerics belonging to different schools of thought to maintain peace during the month. In this regard, a few meetings have been scheduled with Ulema on Tuesday.

Directives have also been issued to the incharges of police stations and circles to keep an eye on leaders and activists of proscribed outfits.

The police in the native areas of such leaders will be approached to not allow them to travel during the month, especially to Islamabad.

As many as 177 mourning processions and 909 Majalis will be held in the capital from Muharram 1 to 10.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2017