A few days ago, a roadside bomb killed three people near a Shi'ite procession in Pakistan. Security forces had been deployed there to protect the procession from terrorist attacks.
The government of Pakistan suspended phone coverage in several cities following the attack. This is because terrorists use mobile phones to coordinate attacks on innocent people.
According to intelligence reports, more attacks could be carried out against Shi'ites as the month of Muharram reaches its climax. More than 12 people have already been killed while mourning during Muharram.
The first attack on Shi'ites took place in Dera Ismail Khan, a well-known city in Pakistan. Sunni militant groups have a strong hold in this city and do not regard Shi'ites as Muslims. They are said to be carrying out sectarian attacks in order to destabilize Pakistan.
More attacks could be carried out in the coming days; therefore, the government decided to suspend cell phone service in most cities, including Karachi, Islamabad and Quetta.
In Karachi, around 5,000 police officers were deployed to protect mourners on the 10th of Muharram.
On the 10th of Muharram, Shi'ite Muslims mourn the killing of the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his holy family.