Government to partially suspend internet and mobile services due to PTI protest

The federal government has decided to partially suspend internet and mobile services in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab as a precautionary measure ahead of the PTI protest scheduled for November 24, Express News reported on Thursday.

PTI has called for a nationwide demonstration in Islamabad and workers and leaders from across the country are expected to attend. The government has already started implementing stringent measures to control the situation.

Containers were deployed in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and Section 144 was imposed in the twin cities to prevent PTI’s protest. Heavy security forces have been deployed and local authorities are preparing to take further measures to prevent PTI from staging a show of force.

Sources suggest that internet and mobile phone services may be partially suspended in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and certain parts of Punjab as early as November 23.

Separately, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has activated a firewall that will slow down internet services and restrict access to social media content, including videos and audio.

However, PTA announced that no official order has been given to shut down the internet across the country. The situation remains unclear and authorities may suspend services in certain locations depending on developments.

The PTI leadership has categorically stated that their protests will continue until their demands are met. Meanwhile, there are reports of backdoor talks between PTI and the government to prevent further escalation of the protests.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari warned of strict action, stating that the government will treat protesters the same way it treats terrorists. He emphasized that whatever PTI’s strategies are, the state has all the necessary resources to manage the situation.

Ahead of PTI’s protest on November 24, Rawalpindi imposed Section 144, deployed 4,500 police and blocked major roads with containers. More than 47 locations, including areas near Adiala Jail, will be sealed to avoid disruptions. Security will remain increased until November 26.