RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi city police officer (CPO) has announced a ban on the use of mobile phones by police officials while they are deployed for Muharram security duties.

`The ban on the use of [mobile] phones will be enforced on both handsets and hands-free devices, CPO Israr Ahmed Abbasi said on Thursday. He said police officials` use of mobile phones while on duty could pose a serious security lapse in the prevailing security situation, which is why a ban has been imposed.

He said the ban will remain in place from Tuesday until Ashura.

Police officials, on the other hand, criticised the ban, saying it will disconnect personnel from each other since not all police of ficials have wireless sets.

`In case of any emergency, terrorist activity or [if they are] held hostage, police personnel will not be able to communicate with senior officials, police and the emergency control room,` a police official said.

He also said there was no point in banning mobile phones during duty hours since the government is already considering disconnecting cellular services on Ashura, and the CPO`s ban would be futile if cellular service is shut down.

In addition to the ban, the CPO also directed all police station muharrars to ensure the presence of police officials at their respective stations, as they are to assign security duties during Muharram.

He directed muharrars to ensure that police personnel are in uniform while on duty, and provided weapons and riot gear according to the standard operating procedure. Staff Reporter