Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Tuesday said there was threat of terrorism in major cities of the country during Eidul Azha festivities and if deemed necessary, cellular mobile services would be shut for a limited time with the consultation of the provinces.
Talking to reporters in Islamabad after chairing a high-level meeting, Malik said mobiles phone services would be closed down for a limited time in areas threatened by terrorists. In this connection, Malik said directives would be issued separately.
The interior ministry said 90 percent of the general public appreciated the government’s earlier decision to close down mobiles phone services during festivals wherever a threat was felt.
He said there would be a complete ban on the collection of skins of sacrificial animals by defunct organisations during Eidul Azha.
Malik said he had already written to the provincial chief secretaries‚ home secretaries and inspectors general of police in this connection.
He said no one would be allowed to collect hides of sacrificial animals forcefully and strict action would be taken against such elements. He said that use of loud speakers would also been prohibited.
The interior minister added that the PML-N used FIA for its agendas during its tenures, but it was strange why the party was dead set against investigation by the very institution in the Asghar Khan case.
“They are ridiculing SC’s orders,” he said.
Malik said Nawaz had become the prime minister by obtaining funds through illegal means, and he should now respect the courts and bid adieu to politics.
“Mian Sahab should tour Raiwind and write books,” Malik said.
He challenged Opposition Leader Nisar Ali Khan to a debate anywhere over the Asghar Khan case.
The minister said the PML-N leaders did not trust anyone except themselves and they were trying to divert attention away from the Asghar Khan case.
Malik praised the role of the media in curbing terrorism, saying it should continue with its positive contribution.
The interior minister said security would be provided to all congregations on Eid day.
Commenting on the attack on Malala, the minister said important headway had been made in the investigation and the probe had entered a decisive phase.