Pakistan’s government instructed the nation’s operators to suspend cellular coverage in 53 cities and districts as a measure to prevent terrorist attacks, according to local reports. The move was made as the government feared violence over Chehlum on January 2, a day that honours the martyrdom of a historical political figure.

Services were suspended between 8am and 11pm. Cities affected include the nation’s capital Islamabad, as well as Karachi and Lahore. The move is one of several security measures being taken ahead of Chehlum.

Pakistan’s government has instructed operators to shut off cellular services at least three times since September 21 when the nation protested an anti-Islam movie.