Mobile services banned before Chehlum, firing between Shia and Sunni Muslims, 2 killed

On Monday, there was a fierce firing between the Shia and Sunni communities over providing security during the Chehlum procession in honor of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). In which 2 people have died. In view of the increasing tension between religious communities, the government has banned mobile phone services to control the situation. Therefore, now mobile services will remain banned indefinitely. Pakistan's Sindh Home Department has decided to suspend cellular services in many districts of the province including Karachi after the incident of firing between two religious groups in the Golimar area.

According to Pakistan media reports, mobile phone services have been completely stopped in Hyderabad and Karachi and till now no information was given about their resumption.

At the same time, several other districts, including Dadu, Thatta, Sajawal, Khairpur, and Larkana, will also remain without mobile phone service. Services, however, would be available in Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Mirpurkhas. The move is aimed at ensuring security for Chehlum processions and congregations organised in connection with Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) in Karachi and other parts of Sindh.

Unidentified armed men had opened fire on an Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat rally on Sunday, killing two persons. The firing incident subsequently injured nine people. The situation has created tension in the area. The police had to start a massive crackdown after some miscreants not only resorted to aerial firing in revenge but also started bothering the participants. The incident of firing occurred when the ASWJ demonstration was passing through Golimar.

Officials of the police department said the attackers, whose identities could not be be verified, attacked the rally and began to pelt stones, causing commotion followed by disorder. Shortly after, violent scuffles erupted between two local religious groups, ARY news reported.

The news report quoted police surgeon Dr Sumia as confirming that two bodies were taken to different hospitals from the Golimar firing incident. The injured were rushed to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Civil Hospital, and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital where they are currently undergoing treatment.