Tech Desk 
Jul 04, 2025
Shia Muslims attend Ashura procession at Empress Market, Karachi, on July 29, 2023. — APP
Karachi is experiencing widespread mobile and internet outage as 8th Muharram processions are taking place throughout the city. Since Thursday morning, mobile users in Nazimabad, Saddar, Liaquatabad, Soldier Bazaar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, and other city areas have complained of signals that were either poor or non-existent.
This interruption makes it especially burdensome for some to maintain mobile connectivity and to communicate in particularly when at work or in an emergency.
However, the government has not issued any formal notice; the interruptions in service are likely part of the security measures that are in place surrounding Muharram.
Each Muharram procession sees thousands of devotees prepare to gather together to honor the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
Moreover, in most instances, mobile networks will likely have some restrictions in place to protect vulnerable gatherings of people from potential threats.
The main Muharram processions in Karachi are departing from Nishtar Park and following traditional routes through MA Jinnah Road toward Hussainiya Iraniyan.
The police have sealed roadways from Guru Mandir to "Tower" to protect these areas, as well as their layout of populations leaving from Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, and Gulshan.
Over 20,000 law enforcement personnel are deployed across the city till Ashura, which falls on Sunday. The federal government has also declared July 5 and 6 as public holidays nationwide.
Elsewhere in the country, the Interior Ministry approved the deployment of army and civil armed forces in major cities, including Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar. Section 144 has been enforced in Punjab, while processions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are being closely monitored.
