Mobile phone services suspended in Karachi and Quetta

E-Paper | March 09, 2026

The image shows a person using a mobile phone. — File photo

KARACHI: Cellular phone services were suspended in Karachi and Quetta upon the federal government's directives, DawnNews reported.

The services would remain suspended until 7 pm today in light of security concerns on the first day of Muharram.

After the announcement that the moon for Muharram had been sighted on Thursday, Dawn had learnt that the government was considering suspending mobile phone services in Quetta and Karachi for a few hours.

Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik had ordered all motorcyclists off the road in Quetta and Karachi while also announcing that “no one will be allowed to carry weapons” on Friday.

The decision to ban motorcyclists off the road was overturned by the Sindh High Court soon after the announcement.

Malik had also announced that markets would remain closed in Karachi and Quetta at 5 pm on the first day of Muharram.

The interior minister added that all permissions for tinted glass on vehicles stood cancelled across the country, although security-related official vehicles would be exempted.

Earlier this year, the interior ministry had blocked mobile phone services in major cities on several occasions, including during Eid holidays.

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Hasan MD

Nov 16, 2012 06:54am

Great effort to IMPOSE Peace in Metropolitan City.

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Gerry D'Cunha

Nov 16, 2012 12:39pm

karachi is now a free hand for all those who have strength;power;money and source with the elite of the country or province.

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Bilal Shah

Nov 16, 2012 08:32am

Tells you how defensive this type of moves are, the solution to a problem is put your head in the sand like an ostrich and hope it will go away.

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Ali

Nov 16, 2012 10:58am

To all of you moaners! It's better to impose such bans rather than see the people getting killed for no reason. I know the government is incapable of catching the terrorists as they themselves supports them. But why do you all always moan on everything. What the heck are you yourself doing in order to catch them? Everyday several people get killed in front of crowds. Still not a single soul have tried to interfere. Thing is, we all are just selfish beings who are afraid of the DEATH but are not afraid of the day of judgement.

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Sam

Nov 16, 2012 05:39am

KARACHI IS A SAFE HEAVEN FOR CRIMINALS,TERRORISTS AND LOOTERS.KARACHI NEEDS HELP URGENTLY!

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Mahwish

Nov 16, 2012 05:45am

We are the only exception in the world where our DEAR government only increases our troubles. Its very easy to suspend mobile phone services, ban motorcyclists than curbing the people responsible for unrest :(

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russianroullete2

Nov 16, 2012 05:57am

Reblogged this on russianroullete2 and commented: This moves indicates that the government is unable catch terrorists. If it had caught terrorists this would not have been necessary. Why should the people suffer just of the government's complete incompetence?

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Uzma Rauf

Nov 16, 2012 06:04am

I think our Federal Interior Minister Mr. RM needs to "think' before he issues notices and orders on whims and cries. I mean, who has given him the right to 'ban' or 'discontinue' the telecommunication services across some cities, if not all. I think his cabinet should put in 'some' efforts to think on ways to curtail the menace created in our city - Karachi, instead of just adding to the frustrations and tensions created by the lack of their skills to monitor the city conditions.

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Mashiqkhan

Nov 16, 2012 06:07am

Too much religion is damaging this nation!

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innohunter

Nov 16, 2012 06:20am

#BanRehmanMalik

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hamza

Nov 16, 2012 09:15am

so funny that a state is trying to maintain peace by going itself to defense rather by taking actions against criminals....

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Salim

Nov 16, 2012 06:26am

Solution to all terrorist problems is to remove Rehman Malik from his post.

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bilal

Nov 16, 2012 06:26am

why should security offical vehicles be spared...why should they be different from the rest...no wonder this country will never progress...u look in countries like england, everyone is treated equally...u can be the prime minister's son and they wouldn't care who the heck you are...everyones equal... but no pakistan has to be different, no one this place is the way it is at the moment...

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Sanoo Khan

Nov 16, 2012 06:27am

this malik seriously need some brain to think that its not a public holiday and that how the public gonna cope up with all this screwed decision... childrens r in colleges universities people at office how they will be secure without communication?? if someone got an accident how he will cal an ambulance... the example of malik is same as ... thief standing out of my house trying to crash in and on calling the police instead of coming they said please kindly close your doors for safety ..further lock urselfs in washrooms... we are sorry for inconvenience we cant caught them...

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Amir

Nov 16, 2012 07:43am

My advise to Mr Rehman: Tell everyone in Karachi to stay in their homes (on particular day where he thinks security concerns) and anyone comes out will be shot. With this move, its a guarantee that no terrorist activity will happen in City.

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Ali G

Nov 16, 2012 04:39pm

brother Ali...its not that simple...watching someone being killed in front of your eyes is not something you come across every day...this is no movie or drama...

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imransaudi

Nov 16, 2012 06:57am

suspend Indian violent movies from Pakistan 25% violence will be decreased. Recover illegal weapons more 25% violence can be reduced. And provided justice, education and equal business opportunity to poor people more 50% violence will be reduced.

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