Mobile services can be suspended on Eid: Malik

ISLAMABAD (MEDIA)

Minister for Interior Rehman Malik said here on Tuesday the government will suspend mobile phone services for a limited period wherever it deems necessary during Eidul Azha owing to the threat of terror attacks in the big cities.

He minister said this while talking to journalists after chairing a meeting held in the Ministry of Interior to review the law and order situation and make security arrangements for Eidul Azha.

Rehman Malik said proscribed outfits will not be allowed to collect hides of sacrificial animals under any circumstances and the order of the government regarding proscribed outfits would be fully implemented.

He said under the ATA, the proscribed outfits are not allowed to carry out any public activity, including collection of hides. He said the list of proscribed outfits was made public for general information. He said the banned outfits will not be allowed to collect hides/donations even under any other name.

The meeting decided that the law enforcement agencies shall have the authority to arrest culprits for the offence and special powers will be given to them for the same.It was decided that a code of conduct will be formulated for the collection of hides of sacrificial animals and this code will be enforced strictly.

Organisations in possession of a certificate either from the DCO or DPO alone will be allowed to collect hides. It was also decided that the home secretaries would arrange special random video monitoring of the collection of hides to ensure that no one in any way connected to banned outfits is able to collect hides. Use of loudspeakers will also not be allowed to make appeals for donation of hides and no one will be allowed to coerce or harass anybody.

Rehman Malik directed the LEAs to ensure foolproof security at all Eidgahs and Eid prayer congregations. Section 144 shall be imposed in all districts to avoid any clashes on collection of hides. It was also decided that the FC in Balochistan and KP will enhance surveillance on both sides of the western border against miscreants.

Genuine charity organisations shall apply to the district administration giving an assurance in writing that they do not belong to any proscribed organisation, and obtain permission (NOC) for the collection of hides in specific areas and where people voluntarily donate hides.

Members of the business community purchasing hides shall ensure that they buy them from those who have lawful permission for their collection.

The Intelligence Bureau has been instructed to provide the provincial authorities data of individuals or outfits who have been collecting hides under coercion or harassment. Provincial governments shall assign special duties to the police, Rangers (on request) and revenue officials who will be given special powers in the discharge of their duties.