By Uzma Sahar 
In a bid to strengthen public safety during Muharram processions, the authorities in Peshawar have announced a temporary suspension of mobile phone services on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
According to a spokesperson for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, the shutdown will begin after Friday prayers on the 8th of Muharram and continue until 10 PM on Ashura Sunday. This step is part of a broader security strategy to maintain law and order during this critical period of religious significance.
The decision comes amid concerns of potential threats in sensitive areas where large mourning processions are expected to pass. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the suspension of cellular networks is a preventive measure aimed at curbing the misuse of mobile communication, which could be exploited to trigger unrest or coordinate unlawful activity.
Apart from the communication blackout, the police department has ramped up surveillance, utilizing drones, CCTV cameras, and AI-based monitoring systems to track crowd movement and identify suspicious activity in real time.
Security forces, including elite units and bomb disposal squads, will be stationed at key locations, especially near Imambargahs and on designated procession routes. Barricades and walk-through gates will also be installed to manage access points.
The public has been urged to remain patient and extend full cooperation to law enforcement officials. Residents are advised to plan travel in advance and stay informed via radio and television updates. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to protecting all citizens while ensuring the smooth observance of religious rites during Muharram.