The Ministry of Interior has approved the deployment of Pakistan Army and Civil Armed Forces (CAFs) across the country to maintain law and order during the sensitive month of Muharram. A formal notification confirmed that the decision follows requests from all provincial governments, along with Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the Islamabad Capital Territory.
The deployments will take place under Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. The scale and duration of the military presence will be determined by local security assessments, with coordination between federal and provincial authorities.
Muharram, one of the four sacred Islamic months, began after the moon was sighted on Thursday. Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram which marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) and his family at Karbala, will fall on Sunday, July 6.
Religious processions and majalis (gatherings) are expected nationwide, prompting security agencies to intensify monitoring and preparedness.
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Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level security meeting on Thursday, focusing on preventing sectarian unrest. He announced a strict crackdown on hate speech, especially targeting content spread via social media platforms.
The government will work closely with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to monitor and restrict inflammatory content. A team of digital analysts and cybercrime experts has been formed to track and flag posts inciting religious hatred.
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The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) also stated that preventing sectarian violence through digital platforms will be a top priority during Muharram. Legal action will be taken against individuals promoting hate speech or inciting violence.
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Officials have also hinted at possible mobile and internet service suspensions in high-risk areas. Any such action will be based on real-time security updates and implemented in coordination with provincial administrations.
This move, though controversial, has become a standard precaution during major religious events in Pakistan to prevent misuse of digital platforms and ensure public safety.
As processions, majalis, and religious gatherings continue through the first 10 days of Muharram, thousands of law enforcement personnel are being deployed to sensitive districts. Authorities aim to ensure a peaceful environment for the faithful while remaining alert to any threats.
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