ISLAMABAD: The interior minister has approved the suspension of cellular service in the country, in response to requests made by the provinces, interior ministry officials said on Monday.

They said the decision was made during a meeting chaired by Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Monday, which reviewed the law and order situation and Muharram arrangements.

The minister reviewed requests from provincial governments to jam cellular service in various cities due to the ongoing security situation.

Officials said Punjab requested the suspension of service in 16 cities, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 12 cities, Balochistan in Quetta, Machh in the Jaffarabad district and Jhal Magsi in the Gandhawa district. Azad Kashmir requested the suspension of service in 12 cities, Gilgit-Baltistan in one city and requests were also made for the Kurram Agency in Fata and Islamabad.

They said the minister decided cellular service would only be suspended for the minimum amount of time, due to the inconvenience faced by the public.

They said the minister also said a zero tolerance approach should be taken to maintain law and order in the federal capital while reviewing the city’s Muharram arrangements.

The minister directed the police to ensure foolproof security for Muharram processions, mosques, imambargahs and other religious places.

The minister also suggested that security and administration officials remain in constant communication with religious scholars in order to maintain peace.

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2016