PTA isn’t Saying a Word on Suspension of Cellular Services During Ashura

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is totally silent on anticipated mobile service shut downs in various cities of Pakistan on 9th and 10th of Muharram, hence we can’t tell with certainty about cities where services will be suspended tomorrow and day after tomorrow.

While we know for a fact — based on recent track record — that mobile phone services will be shut down on 9th and 10th of Muharram, we are still awaiting the official confirmation on this.

PTA is apparently not sharing any info on cellular suspension due to security reasons. Insiders aren’t saying a word on cities where services will be suspended or the timings of service suspension.

PTA is saying that information is yet to be received from interior ministry.

Interior ministry sources, who aren’t entirely sure as well — but based on previous shut downs during Muharram last year — said that cellular services could be suspended in dozens of cities.

They added that services could be shut down from 8AM till 10PM at least on both the days for some cities, while other cities may face network shut down on just the 10th of Muharram.

Here are the cities where services are likely to remain shut down:

  • Lahore
  • Karachi
  • Islamabad
  • Rawalpindi
  • Faisalabad
  • Multan
  • Gujranwala
  • Quetta
  • Peshawar
  • Sialkot
  • Mianwali
  • Sargodha
  • Sukkur
  • Bhawalpur
  • Jhang
  • Gujrat
  • And more!

It must be noted that all wireless networks (GSM, 3G, 4G, CDMA, EvDO, WiMAX) will be down during the time.

Those who rely on 3G, 4G, EvDO, WiMAX for primary internet will remain without internet as well.

Whatsapp Will Work During the Shut Down

It maybe recalled that those with DSL, FTTH internet will be able to communicate through mobile apps, such as Whatsapp.

Landline connections, i.e PTCL and other local loop services (phones connected through fiber optic media) will continue to operate during the service closure. And if you have interner through fixed line then you can remain in touch with friends and family through mobile apps.

Services Relying on Mobile Internet Will Remain Closed

Services that rely on mobile internet, such as Careem will be down during the time. Careem has already informed its customers that they are closed till Wednesday midnight. Careem will not be accepting “later bookings” during the suspension time as well.

Also Read: Internet Shutdowns in Pakistan Cost the Country $70 Million Last Year

Tech and telecom reporter for over 15 years


  • To all sunni and shiah brothers:
    Why can’t we celebrate/morn events based on fiqa/sect basis by keeping it indoors or at open places.
    Freedom doesn’t mean to hurt others.
    Just a suggestion to keep peace in country. Doesn’t mean to harm anyone’s feelings.

    • Bro I respect your words but this should be applied to all open gatherings processions etc… I I am Sunni Muslim and respect Shia for their such rights. It’s responsibility of state to ensure their security. If political parties can have their marches and processions on a large scale why can’t Shia have… if at all there is a need the policy must be made to have all gatherings indoors irrespective of cause

        • State has the responsibility to protect the envirment and. Water and wildlife of a country , there is no question about the humans which are living here.

    • govt ko awam k sath mil kar har city mein big stadiums banany chaiye jo k 20,000 tk logon k liye kafi hon.in stadiums ka ek entry point aur ek exit ho aur yeh fortified hon big walls se.phir chahy Milad k jaloos hon ya moharam k,political hon ya protest.log in mein jaien apni tasali krein,bad mein pur aman tor pe disperse ho jaien.lekin baki awam ko koi taklif na di jaye ,na roads band hon na services suspend.na bazar band karwaye jaien na markets.jinho ne in programs mein aana ho wo aaien jo apna daily kam kaaj karna chahein unko koi rok rukawat na ho

  • “Whatsapp Will Work During the Shut Down”
    Really? :| Why just “Whatsapp”? Every thing will work if you use DSL / Landline (PTCL) -_-

    • previously services like viber and whatsapp have been ‘shut dow’n for security rather a better phrase to be used would be blocked access to

  • It is good if all the cellular services are closed for two days in wake of security measures… what happens if we did not use the phones for two days…Government reserves all rights whether keeps it down or not…. So my all sympathies and support is for government what takes the measure to keep safe the processions….


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