The mobile phone and internet services have been temporarily suspended in some parts of Rawalpindi in observance of the Chehlum of the martyrs of Karbala.
The local administration said it was implemented to ensure the peaceful and secure movement of processions of Chehlum.
The suspension will stay in place until all of the processions are complete and mobile and internet services will be restored in stages, officials said.
In addition, security agencies have taken special steps along the routes of the procession to ensure that there are no untoward incidents and maintain law and order.
The Punjab government announced yesterday August 4 a local holiday in Lahore district, to mark the annual Urus of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA). In the meantime, authorities have decided to partially suspend the Rawalpindi Metro Bus Service after deciding to shut down the bus service to accommodate the main procession marking the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
A notification issued by Punjab Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) said that the local holiday will be observed in all the district offices under the Deputy Commissioner Lahore and other concerned government offices. But other civil secretariats, autonomous bodies, corporations, authorities and regional offices will be opened and continue their normal functioning.
The Punjab government has announced the holiday to support religious activities linked with the annual Urs, for pilgrims’ convenience and to enhance security measures, it has said. There are plans for increased security at Data Darbar, which will see thousands of devotees arrive from around the country.
In the meantime, the Rawalpindi district administration has directed to halt the Metro Bus Service for a part period in view of the Chehlum procession.
Metro Bus administration says, Metro Bus between Saddar Station and Faizabad will remain suspended on August 4 while the service is continuing as normal between IJP Road Station and Pak Secretariat.
Authorities have warned commuters to review the traffic plan and make other plans before heading outside their homes, as traffic is expected to be disrupted along the procession routes.
Extraordinary security arrangements have been made for the Chehlum, and extra police officers, traffic wardens and other law enforcement officers will be deployed along the procession routes for foolproof security of the mourners and to minimise inconvenience to the public, the district administration said.
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