Mobile phone services have been temporarily suspended in several areas of Lahore due to security arrangements ahead of Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). The disruption has affected cellular services as well as mobile internet availability in selected parts of the provincial city. The affected areas include parts of the Walled City, Data Darbar, Chauburji, Mozang and nearby localities. Officials said the temporary measure was taken in view of the security requirements.

Authorities are expected to restore mobile services once the situation improves. The duration of the suspension and the exact timeline for restoration have not been disclosed. Meanwhile, the Punjab Home Department has completed comprehensive security arrangements for the peaceful observance of Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), with 869 majalis and 494 processions scheduled across the province.

The department has requested the services of the Pakistan Army and Rangers to assist the police in maintaining security during the religious observances. The Punjab Home Department spokesperson said that security personnel will also perform duties to ensure the peaceful observance of Chehlum and the annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh Ali Hajveri (RA). A total of 43 companies of the Army and Rangers have been requisitioned for deployment in 18 districts of Punjab.

Of these, 15 Army companies and 28 Rangers companies will be deployed at sensitive locations. The security forces will be deployed in Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Rawalpindi, Attock and Chakwal. Their deployment will also cover Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Faisalabad and Jhang, as well as Pakpattan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)