Govt imposes 10-day ban on drone use

ISLAMABAD: In a crucial move to ensure security during Muharram processions and gatherings from the 1st to the 10th of the Islamic month, the government has decided to impose a nationwide ban on the use of drones.

However, any decisions regarding the suspension of internet or mobile phone services will be taken in consultation with the respective provinces, based on security concerns.

According to Express News, an important meeting was chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Ministry of Interior, focusing on maintaining law and order across the country during Muharram. The meeting included a detailed review of the security plans for all provinces, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad.

During the meeting, it was decided that the use of drones would be prohibited nationwide from the 1st to the 10th of Muharram for security reasons. However, the suspension of internet or mobile phone services would be determined in consultation with the relevant provinces, taking into account security threats.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasised the challenges faced by citizens due to the suspension of internet or mobile phone services and stressed the need for decisions based on ground realities and the security situation. He assured that the federal government would provide all possible assistance to maintain peace in the provinces, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad.

Naqvi also highlighted that the security needs of the provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan would be met, and a pre-emptive plan would be prepared for processions and gatherings considering the forecasted rains. Strict checks would be conducted at entry and exit points, and processions and gatherings would be monitored through cameras.

The Interior Minister directed that adherence to the code of conduct be ensured, and security of mosques, imambargahs, and other places of worship be given utmost attention. Police chiefs and interior secretaries from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad briefed on the law and order plans for Muharram.

The meeting was attended by the Federal Secretary of Interior, Federal Secretary of Religious Affairs, Chairman CDA, IG Islamabad Police, senior officials from the Ministry of Interior, and law enforcement agencies.

Chief Secretaries, IGs of Police, Interior Secretaries of all provinces, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, the Commandant of Frontier Constabulary, and senior officials from Frontier Corps North and South Balochistan participated in the meeting via video link.

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