ISLAMABAD: The Interior Ministry on Friday approved the deployment of Pakistan Army and civil armed forces across the country to maintain law and order during Muharram.
A notification issued by the ministry stated that this decision was made after receiving formal requests from all provincial governments, as well as the administrations of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the notification, the federal government has approved the deployment under Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. These forces will assist civil authorities in maintaining peace during Muharram, in accordance with national laws.
The notification also mentioned that the exact number of troops, deployment locations, and dates will be decided based on local needs and assessments. This planning will be carried out by the provincial governments, along with the administrations of GB, AJK, and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
It added that the timeline for withdrawing the deployed forces will also be decided later through mutual consultation.
Copies of the notification have been sent to top federal and provincial officials, including the Prime Minister’s office, Defence Ministry, Home Departments of all provinces, the military, Rangers, Frontier Corps, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, and police chiefs of all regions.
Ashura the 10th of Muharram will be observed on July 6. Muharram is a significant religious month, especially for Shia Muslims, as it marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
Given the sensitive nature of religious activities in the first 10 days of Muharram, extra security measures are routinely taken every year.
A day earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting at the Interior Ministry to review the national Muharram security plan. Security strategies for all provinces, AJK, GB, and Islamabad were discussed in detail.
During the meeting, it was decided to take strict legal action against anyone promoting religious hatred on social media. The government also plans to issue strong recommendations to PEMRA and PTA to prevent the spread of hate content on electronic and digital platforms.
Authorities further agreed to take all necessary steps to ensure peace during Muharram. Any decision regarding the suspension of mobile or internet services will be made in consultation with provincial governments and based on the ground security situation.
Interior Minister Naqvi directed that such decisions must be made responsibly, based on real-time assessments of threats and concerns.
