Sindh Govt decides ban on pillion riding, cell phone service

On the recommendation of law enforcement agencies (LEA), Sindh government has decided to impose a ban on pillion riding for three days (8, 9 and 10th of Muharram) and also suspend mobile service on Ashura, the 10th of Muharram-ul-haram.
Sindh Chief Minister also directed home department to coordinate with federal government for suspension of mobile service and EVO system of internet.

“Personally, I am against the imposition of ban on pillion riding and suspension of mobile service but this is the requirement, that’s why I am taking this decision,” he said presiding over a meeting on law & order arrangements and plan during Moharram-ul-Harram at the CM House in Karachi.
The meeting was attended by Advisors to CM Mola Bux Chandio, Murtaza Wahab, Special assistant Syed Ghulam Shah, Chief Secretary Siddique Memon, DG Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar, IG AD Khwaja, Additional IGs, Mushtaq Maher and Sanaullah Abbasi, Home Secretary Riaz Soomro, Commissioner Karachi Aijaz Ali Khan and others.
The meeting was informed that the deployment of police and Rangers in the areas of majalis and procession has been finalised, while the Army would be available on the call.
Arrangements for installing walk through gates and sealing of adjoining exit and entry points would be made.
The scouts and volunteers have been imparted special trainings about checking mourners.
The police and Rangers have already started conducting targeted operations in different areas of the city, particularly the outskirts and slum localities and some important terrorists have been arrested.
The security plan has been made in accordance with the information given by the arrested terrorists.
The local administration, police and rangers have also involved local bodies representatives in the peace process under which meetings with ulemas of all the sects have been held and this process would continue till the end of 10th Moharram procession.
He said that entire Muharram sensitive as far as security is concerned. Therefore, preparedness must be made according to the requirements.
He urged the law enforcement agencies to be vigilant even in those areas which are normally not covered during the 10 days of Moharram.
Syed Murad Ali Shah directed the Chief Secretary to again coordinate with power distribution companies for differing load-shedding during the first 10 days of Moharramul Haram, particularly the places where majalis to be held.
Street lights must be repaired and for the purpose necessary coordination with other agencies like cantonments and defence authority be established.
He asked water board and WASA Hyderabad to keep their drainage system functional and also urged water board to ensure smooth supply of water to the citizens.
He directed all the local bodies and divisional commissioners to repair the streets and roads from where processions are scheduled to pass on.