ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Interior has sought information from the Punjab government to jam cellular service in seven cities in the province in Muharram.

Ministry officials told Dawn that the decision to suspend cellular service in 36 cities in Punjab was made at the provincial government’s request. But details, such as timing and duration, are still needed for Lahore, Sheikhupura, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chiniot, Okara and Bahawalpur.

The ministry has sought this information In a letter addressed to the Punjab home secretary.

Earlier, the Punjab government had approached the interior minister asking for cellular service to be jammed in 36 cities; the request included the duration and timing for 29 of the cities, but not for the remaining seven.

The matter was highlighted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) when directives in this regard were issued to it by the interior ministry, the official said, adding that in response the ministry approached the Punjab Home Department and said that the PTA has pointed out that they are facing problems because of the absence of information on jamming cellular service in those cities.

Cellular service will be suspended between Muharram 7 and Muharram 10 at different times in 36 cities, the officials said. Timings and days will vary for the cities, which include Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana, Kasur, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Chiniot, Multan, Lodhran, Khanewal, Vehari, Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan.

The Punjab police has also asked the Home Department for air surveillance in 13 cities - Lahore, Kasur, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Sargodha, Bhakkar, Multan, Lodhran, Sahiwal, Muzaffargargh and Bahawalpur.

Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2020