Mobile services shut in Pakistan ahead of Chinese Premier's visit

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities today shut mobile services in Islamabad and the nearby garrison city of Rawalpindi over security concerns on the arrival of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang here.

Li will arrive here today on a two-day visit after his official visit to India.

The state-owned Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued a formal notification to all cellular companies to shut the services until 1 PM local time.

Pakistani officials say that militants routinely use mobile phone for planning and implementing attacks.

The authorities have taken security measures for the Chinese premier along the main road from the Nur Khan military airbase near Islamabad and the Presidency, where the guest will have a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari shortly after his arrival.

People say they are facing difficulties after mobile service suspension.

The authorities now regularly close down mobile services in view of threats and on occasion of some important days and events.