Army, CAFs to Be Deployed Nationwide for Muharram Security

News Desk

Islamabad: The Ministry of Interior has approved the deployment of Pakistan Army and civil armed forces (CAFs) across the country to ensure peace and security during Muharram, following formal requests from all provincial governments, as well as the administrations of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the Islamabad Capital Territory.

According to an official notification, the deployment will be carried out under Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. The scope and duration of deployment will be determined by local authorities based on real-time ground assessments and in coordination with relevant federal and provincial stakeholders.

Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, will fall on July 6 (Sunday) this year. Given the significance and sensitivity of the first ten days of the Islamic month, authorities are placing top priority on enhanced security measures nationwide.

Chairing a high-level meeting on Thursday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed strict action against hate speech, particularly on social media platforms. He said the government would collaborate with the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to curb the spread of inflammatory and sectarian content online.

Officials also reviewed the option of temporarily suspending mobile and internet services in sensitive areas, with any such decisions to be based on evolving security assessments and taken in consultation with provincial governments.

A special monitoring cell comprising technical experts, digital analysts, and enforcement officials has been formed to track and address online content inciting religious hatred. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has announced that preventing sectarian incitement on social media during Muharram will be its top priority, and legal action will be taken against violators.

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee officially confirmed the sighting of the moon for Muharram 1447 Hijri on Thursday, announcing July 6 as the day of Ashura.

Muharram, one of the four sacred months in Islam, holds profound religious significance. On Ashura, Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was martyred in the Battle of Karbala.

Religious processions and majalis are held across the country during Muharram, with large gatherings addressed by prominent scholars. Extensive security measures are being put in place to ensure public safety during these events.