On the directives from the Department of the Interior, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has stated that some regions of Karachi will experience a partial suspension of mobile services until Muharram 10, which falls on July 29.
The decision has been met with several complaints from consumers, who reported intermittent or complete disruptions to their mobile services. Locations impacted by these changes range from Steel Town, Gulshan-e-Hadid, Jaffer e Tayar Society, to Future Colony and Haji Zakaria Goth, where either service suspensions or disruptions have been noted.
On the other hand, areas such as Shah Latif Town, Bhitaiabad, Memon Goth Main Market, and Bin Qasim Town have seen only a partial suspension of services.
Federal Government Declaration and Security Measures
In recognition of Ashura, the federal government has announced public holidays on Muharram 9 and 10 (July 28 and 29). A notice from the Cabinet Division confirmed this declaration, stating the Prime Minister’s approval for the holidays on these specific dates. The first day of Muharram, which marks the start of the new Islamic year 1445 AH, falls on July 20, meaning Youm-e-Ashura will be observed on Saturday, July 29.
In the lead-up, the Sindh Government has taken additional security measures, such as prohibiting pillion riding on Muharram 9 and 10. These steps, enforced under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, ensure the uninterrupted observance of Ashura Day activities. Furthermore, to bolster security during the holy month of Muharram, the federal government has sanctioned the deployment of armed forces nationwide.