On June 30, the Sindh Home Department requested the Ministry of Interior to suspend mobile phone and internet services across the province on Youm-e-Ashura, which will fall on Sunday, July 6, 2025 (10th Muharram 1447 AH).

In an official letter, the department urged the federal ministry to block services along Ashura procession routes and to inform provincial authorities once a decision is made.

In Lahore, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said the provincial government will announce its decision on suspending mobile services at the “eleventh hour,” noting that no province-wide shutdown was imposed last year. She added that services could be temporarily blocked along specific mourning-procession routes if needed, with the final call to rest with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz after reviewing law-enforcement reports. Section 144 is already in force across Punjab, and Bokhari indicated an imminent announcement on banning pillion riding during Muharram.

The move was based on initial directives by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who on June 25 chaired a security meeting to review Muharram-ul-Haram arrangements nationwide. It was resolved that any suspension of mobile phone or internet services during the sacred month “will be considered in consultation with provincial authorities.”