PTI Protest: Internet and Mobile Services Partially Suspended in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab

Islamabad: In response to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest, a decision has been made to partially suspend internet and mobile phone services in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab. According to Express News, sources revealed that after PTI’s call for a nationwide protest on November 24, with party members instructed to participate in the demonstration in Islamabad, the government has started implementing strict measures to control the situation.
In addition to deploying containers in the twin cities to prevent PTI’s march towards Islamabad, the government has imposed Section 144 in the federal capital for two months. The same restrictions have also been enforced in Rawalpindi, Islamabad’s twin city. Heavy security personnel have been called in to prevent any disturbances during the protest.
PTI leadership has urged its workers, leaders, and parliamentarians to gather as many people as possible for the protest, prompting the government and local administration to take further actions to prevent PTI’s power show. As a part of these preventive measures, sources indicate that from November 23 (Saturday), internet and mobile phone services may be partially suspended in various districts of Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab.
In this regard, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will activate a firewall starting from November 22. The firewall will slow down internet services and prevent the downloading of videos and audios from social media apps.
However, PTA’s spokesperson clarified that no official instructions have yet been received regarding the complete suspension of internet services. Sources further stated that depending on the situation, internet and mobile services could be shut down in specific areas at any time.
PTI has announced its intention to carry out a massive protest on November 24, with party leaders stating that the protest will continue until their demands are met. Meanwhile, reports suggest that backdoor negotiations between PTI and the government are also ongoing to resolve the situation.