Mobile services to be suspended in some parts of country: Malik
Interior Minister Rehman Malik. – File Photo
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Sunday said the cellular services will be suspended in some particular parts of the country that are under the risk of terrorist attacks during Eid-ul-Fitr.
Talking to media on Sunday here after presiding over a high- level meeting with the Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) officials, the minister said that terror threats existed during the Eid holidays due to which mobile services would be shut down.
The minister said it could not be said at what specific time the mobile service would be suspended due to security reasons.
“The cellular service would be suspended in a surprise manner in the sensitive parts of the country, however, timeframe could not be given,” he said. He has apologised to the people for any inconvenience this could cause them.
Later on the Ministry of Interior issued a letter to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority directing mobile network operators in the country to block services from 12:00 am tonight till 10:00 am on Monday morning.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik said that mobile services have been blocked in only four cities including, Lahore, Karachi, Multan and Quetta.
Its so much easy for the goverment to curb by force, the poor man's entitlement. Now I hear that pre-paid sims will be banned – what next to come?
I think first time he has taken some efficient decision otherwise people will engage the whole night.
there was not any other option in a very short and right time.
I dont like Malik but favoring him in this case.
I am simply disappointed by this decision from the government, they should find ways rather than banning ppl from basic necessities…
Eid Mubarak everyoneee!!!!!
An excellent idea that has caught the terrorists out. Their plans are so cellular based that at least 95% of the plans will have been stopped. However inconvenient the solution may be, at least the are doing somethimg about keeping the peace and stopping those people who hate to see others laughing and smiling on any day of the year. At least we had a night of peace.
Very surprising! Only four cities ? What about Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Faisalabad ? The most recent terrorist attacks were near Islamabad. Most probably all the ministers have gathered in Islamabad with high security measures already taken. Let the middle man and the poor suffer with one more facility blocked. Hope there will be no load shedding during Eid Days all over Pakistan.
Y jamming networks only in 4 cities??? Y not whole country?
Instead of shutting down the service they should try to arrest the terrorist who killed innocent clerics just one day before the Eid.
Whats the point of doing this…this is not the solution, but just a temporary remedy..you need to do something in the long term..if you cant..you should step down..
go to the root cause… terror threats exist from whom islamic fanatics.
we live with out mobile phone before,we wont born with mobile phone,why you guys blame your self ,you are the Iphone.Ipad,Itune generation.dont wing and blame Malik.if is save one life its worth it.
Eid Mubarak our Friends.
Same on this govt. of getting such incapable pplz on board
if govt cant give anything they shouldnt take the only joy in eid..communication with family and friends
This is SAD. God Bless You.