The federal government has partially suspended internet and mobile services in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab as a precautionary step ahead of the PTI protest slated for November 24.
The PTI has organized a nationwide demonstration in Islamabad, expecting participation from its workers and leaders nationwide. In response, the government has already started implementing stringent controls.
To deter the planned protest, authorities have positioned containers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and enacted Section 144. Additionally, a significant deployment of security forces is in place, with local officials ready to enact further measures to prevent any large-scale gathering by the PTI.
It is anticipated that internet and mobile phone services will be partially suspended in selected districts starting November 23.
Furthermore, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced a firewall to decelerate internet speeds and limit access to social media content. However, the PTA has confirmed that there are no plans for a complete nationwide internet shutdown, though service disruptions may occur in specific areas as the situation develops.
Despite these measures, PTI leadership maintains that the protest will persist until their demands are met. Concurrently, reports indicate ongoing discreet negotiations between the PTI and the government to mitigate further escalation.
In preparation for the November 24 protest, Rawalpindi authorities have enforced Section 144, mobilized 4,500 police officers, and obstructed major roads with containers. Additionally, over 47 strategic locations, including areas around Adiala Jail, will be sealed to ensure order.
