Mobile Services Likely to Remain Suspended During Eid: Rehman Malik

Pakistan TelecomMinister Interior, Mr. Rehman Malik has hinted that cellular operators in Pakistan might be asked to suspend cellular services in major cities of the country during Eid-ul-Adha for security reasons.

Earlier, on directions of interior ministry, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority had issued directive to cellular companies to keep shutdown cellular services during Eid-ul-Fitar and Ishq-e-Rasool Day for similar reasons.

Cellular industry had protested these cellular shutdowns and had asked the government for compensation (valuing Rs. 1 billion), which was never entertained.

It merits mentioning here that cellular companies had lost Rs. 3.2 billion and Rs. 600 million during Eid-ul-Fitar and Ishq-e-Rasool day respectively during cellular service suspensions.

It maybe recalled that cellular usage and spending on communication service during Eid days remain 18-20 times higher than the usual days.

Analyst opine that suspension of cellular services is one of its kind practice in Pakistan, example of which is hard to find in the whole world, even in war stricken regions of Iraq or Afghanistan. They said that government’s this attitude will hurt investors’ trust and will surely impact upcoming 3G auction.

Tech and telecom reporter for over 15 years


  • R you F**king Kidding Me ! What’s the worst that could happen a Cow having a Bomb planted in it’s Stomach?? There’s NO THREAT , everyone will be busy in sacrifices and meeting relatives.

  • Pakistan sharam say doob ker mar ja because zadari iss country ka president hai jo khud jail mein tha

    • Islam mein hai k Jaisi Qaum, waisa leader…
      So dont blame him, balme is on the people of Pakistan

  • dear telecom operators plz pay these 3 ###s (raja, rehman, zardari) the commission price so that they dont disturb the mobile users on and off.

  • It is a shameful act as few people will benefit out of this security drama. We all know the stake of the decision makers in it. The incoming call charges were also raised for the same purpose

  • Mr. Rehman Malik – Minister of Ministry of Incompetence. Please accept 160 million middle fingers this eid as a gift for your brillant intellectual abilities.

  • A beautiful (yet practical) way to discourage investors to invest in 3G. PPP’s pappa (America) is/was against 3G service in Pakistan (Google it before posting any non sense reply on my post)


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