Pakistan restricts phone service for safe Eid

Islamabad - Pakistan will temporarily shut the mobile phone services in some cities during the Eid celebrations Monday to thwart possible terror attacks.

The militants always use mobile phones to receive instructions, officials say. A mobile phone was also found with the militants involved in Thursday's attack on Kamra airbase.

A high-level meeting Sunday decided to block the service to prevent possible attacks on congregations during Eid, Xinhua reported.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik said Karachi, Lahore and Multan were particularly vulnerable. He, however, said the service will not be suspended across the country.

He said Punjab and Sindh provinces have requested the government to suspend the service during Eid. The government has informed the operators about its decision.