ISLAMABAD: The federal government has authorised the deployment of Pakistan Army troops and Civil Armed Forces (CAFs) across the country to ensure security during the upcoming month of Muharram, a period considered highly sensitive in the Islamic calendar.
The Ministry of Interior issued a formal notification on Friday, stating that the deployment will take place under Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. The decision follows formal security requests from all four provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the Islamabad Capital Territory.
Ashura — the 10th of Muharram, commemorated as the day of martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) — will fall on July 6 (Saturday) this year, as confirmed by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after moon-sighting testimonies on Thursday.
Localised Security Control
The scale, scope, and duration of troop deployment will be determined by respective local administrations, based on real-time threat assessments and in coordination with federal and provincial authorities.
Authorities are prioritising heightened security arrangements during the first 10 days of Muharram, which often witness large processions, religious gatherings, and heightened sectarian sensitivities.
Crackdown on Hate Speech and Digital Monitoring
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who chaired a high-level security meeting, announced a strict crackdown on hate speech, particularly on digital platforms. The government will coordinate with the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to monitor and take down inflammatory content.
A special monitoring unit, comprising digital analysts, technical experts, and cybercrime officers, has been formed to track religious hate content on social media. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has made it clear that tackling online incitement will be a top priority during Muharram, with legal action planned against violators.
Possible Suspension of Mobile Services
Officials are also considering targeted suspensions of mobile and internet services in high-risk areas. Any such measures, however, will be based on security evaluations and implemented in coordination with provincial governments.
Ashura and Public Gatherings
Muharram, one of the four sacred months in Islam, is observed with processions (juloos) and religious gatherings (majalis) to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala.
Every year, tens of thousands of law enforcement personnel are deployed nationwide to secure these gatherings and prevent any sectarian violence.
The government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security during this sensitive period and urged citizens to report any suspicious activity or hate content.
