News
Muharram security: cellular services suspended in sensitive cities
ISLAMABAD: Mobile phone services have been suspended in various cities of Pakistan in order to avert any untoward during Ashura, Geo News reported.
In Khyber Pakhutnkhwa, cellular services have been suspended in Kohat, Durra Adamkhel, Hangu and Kurram Agency besides Dera Ismail Khan.
Mobile phones have also been silenced in sensitive cities of Sindh and Punjab.
The Sindh government had decided to shut mobile phone services on Monday and Tuesday as part of security arrangements for Muharram.
Sindh home secretary said in a statement on Sunday that cellular services will remain suspended from 6:00 am to 10:00 PM on Monday and Tuesday.
The phones resume functioning between 9:00 to 10:00 PM.
Meanwhile, pillion riding has been banned in 10 districts of Sindh on Muharram 8, 9 and 10. Ban has been imposed in 6 districts of Karachi.
Pillion ridding will remain banned in Islamabad on Muharam 09, 10 and 11.
In Peshawar, ban on pillion riding is enforced from Muharram 01 and will continue till 10.
Separately, ban will be effective in Lahore and Quetta on Muharram 09 and 10.
Rangers
DG Punjab Rangers Maj General, Khan Tahir Jawed, briefed journalists regarding the attack and confirmed that the attack took place 30 minutes after the parade had ended and crowds were vacating the area. He added that the crowd was moving towards the stalls and restaurants where the explosion took place.
Jawed also confirmed that 3 Rangers personnel lost their lives in the attack while 5 were injured. He lauded the performance of his Rangers adding that if the attacker had gained access to the parade area the results could have been much worse.
Intelligence Report
Intelligence sources have confirmed they issued an alert regarding a possible attack at the Wagah border crossing. According to sources, they had intercepted intelligence to the effect last night (Saturday).
Intelligence sources have also confirmed that Wagah border authorities were informed about the threat alert.
Sources have also confirmed that security at the Wagah border had been increased and two new check posts had also been established.
No parades at Wagah Border for 3 days: DG Indian Border Security Forces
Director General Indian Border Security Forces has said that parades will not be held at Wagah Border for the next three days on the request of Pakistan.
Initially unconfirmed reports regarding the nature of the explosion had suggested that a gas cylinder exploded.
*This story is being continuously updated.
Courtesy www.thenews.com.pk