Cell services suspended in Pak cities to stop possible attacks

Monday, Aug 20, 2012: Against the backdrop of intelligence reports about possible terror attacks during the Eid holidays, cellular services have been suspended in four major Pakistani cities, including Lahore and Karachi, to prevent bombings triggered by mobile phones.

Millions of people in Lahore, Multan, Karachi and Quetta were unable to use their mobile phones since 8 pm last night as cellular operators suspended all services in most parts of these cities on the directions of the Interior Ministry.

After being briefly restored in parts of the cities early this morning, cellular services were again suspended between 7 am and 10 am as special prayers for Eid-ul-Fitr were held across the country. Residents of Lahore and Karachi said services were restored in some parts of the cities at around 10 am.

The move was criticised by people across Pakistan, who said they were unable to wish friends and relatives on the occasion of Eid.