ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik on Monday said security will remain on high alert till Muharram 10 (Ashura) of all Imambargahs of the country in view of terrorism threats.

All possible measures are being adopted to ensure security of citizens and peace in the country as per directions of the president and the prime minister, said the interior minister while speaking to media representatives.

The minister said that as part of security measures, entry and parking of vehicles within one km and motorcycles within half km vicinity near all Imambargahs, has been banned till Ashura.

He reiterated that enemies of the country are trying to destabilize it, adding that they will not succeed in their nefarious designs.

Rehman Malik vowed to minimize suspending mobile phone service. “After November 30 all unregistered SIMs will be blocked,” he added.

He appealed the ulema (clerics) to play their due role for peace in Karachi and Quetta as some elements are trying to achieve their vested interests.

The interior minister said the Sindh government had requested the high court to put a ban on motorcycle till Ashura in the province for which the chief secretary has been directed to prepare such a strategy to reduce difficulties for citizens.