PESHAWAR: The authorities have decided to deploy the armed forces in the most sensitive areas of northwestern Pakistan, beefing up security for the holy day of Ashura, a senior administrator said.

Commissioner Kohat division Sahibzada Mohammad Anees said Friday that a security plan had been finalised according to which the Army would be deployed in the sensitive northwestern areas of Kohat, Hangu, Orakzai and Kurram tribal agency to maintain peace during 9^th and 10^th Muharram.

The Army would take over security arrangements in these areas, using gunship helicopters for surveillance, Anees said. Meanwhile, cellular services would also be suspended during the two days of Ashura processions, he added.