Mobile phone companies have been asked to keep their cellular serviced suspended in 25 major cities of Pakistan, we have checked with sources.
Earlier it was said that cellular service will remain offline in Islamabad / Rawalpindi only, however, a newer PTA directive has increased the number of cities where mobile phone service will remain off-air tomorrow.
Senior officials of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had confirmed ProPakistani that the Ministry of Interior has given a list of cities to PTA where telcos will have to suspend their mobile services on the occasion of Independence Day.
Inline with regulator’s directions, mobile internet, WiMAX and EvDO services will also remain offline during the time.
According to sources in cellular companies, the time for service closure hasn’t been finalized yet, however, there are at least 25 cities in Pakistan where service will remain offline.
Cities where cellular service will remain suspended include:
Please note that this list of cities is not final, as PTA has said that the number of cities — where cellular service is to remain suspended — may increase.
Sources said that service will remain offline from 6AM till 2PM.
Service closure is inline with federal government’s measures to combat any mishap on Independence Day.
Militants often detonate bombs using cell phones and the government has implemented similar service suspensions in the past to avert any such incidents.
Central flag hoisting ceremony is planned in Islamabad tomorrow, while provincial capitals have planned similar ceremonies in Peshawar, Quetta, Karachi and Lahore as well.
In addition to suspension of cellular activities, on direction of Interior Ministry, some major Independence Day activities, from NGOs, private and civil organization — that were to be held in open air — are also canceled.
