Govt Bans Drones During Muharram

In preparation for Muharram processions and gatherings, the government has banned the use of drones for security purposes nationwide from the 1st to the 10th of the month. Decisions on shutting down the internet or mobile phone services will be made after consulting with provincial authorities, considering security concerns.

This announcement follows a key meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Ministry of Interior. The meeting focused on maintaining law and order during Muharram across the country, including in Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad.

During the meeting, it was decided to ban drones for security during Muharram processions and gatherings. Additionally, any decisions about internet or mobile service shutdowns will be made in consultation with provincial authorities based on security needs.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi acknowledged that shutting down the internet or mobile networks can inconvenience the public. He emphasized that such decisions should be made based on real-time security assessments. Naqvi assured that the federal government would fully support efforts to maintain peace in all regions, including Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad.

Naqvi stressed the importance of meeting security requirements in all areas and urged for thorough preparation for processions and gatherings. This includes anticipating weather disruptions and conducting rigorous checks at entry and exit points. Surveillance of processions and gatherings will be carried out using cameras.

The interior minister also highlighted the need to adhere to a code of conduct and ensure the security of mosques, ImamBargahs, and other places of worship. The meeting included briefings from police inspectors general and interior secretaries from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad on the Muharram peace plan.

The meeting, attended via video link, included chief secretaries, police inspectors general, interior secretaries from all provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as commandants from the Frontier Constabulary and Frontier Corps Balochistan North-South, alongside senior law enforcement officials.