Mobile networks were suspended in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Friday, with police blocking all city entry points ahead of a planned PTI rally at D-Chowk.
Incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan called for a “peaceful protest” as his party ramped up rally preparations despite a ban on gatherings. The PTI has been active with multiple rallies protesting the “illegal” imprisonment of its leader and delays by the Election Commission of Pakistan regarding reserved seats, aiming to “save the Constitution.”
Despite warnings from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi against holding the rally due to high-profile foreign visits, PTI announced the departure of caravans from various cities today. Veteran politician Maulana Fazlur Rehman, frequently in touch with PTI, advised postponing the gatherings until after the foreign dignitaries’ departure.
Mobile network outages have affected the twin cities since morning, disrupting work for many. A down-detector indicated a surge in Zong and PTCL service complaints from around 5 a.m., primarily near Rawalpindi.
Read: Islamabad Police Detain 412 in Crackdown Ahead of PTI Protest
Read: Islamabad Red Zone Sealed Amid Anticipated PTI Protests
Authorities planned to block additional routes within Islamabad after 2 p.m. to prevent PTI workers from entering. Islamabad Police reminded the public via its X account that Section 144 was in effect, urging compliance with traffic advisories and warning against participation in illegal activities.
Caravans began moving as Imran renewed his call for protest on his X account. He urged supporters to converge on D-Chowk and those in Lahore to prepare for a gathering at Minar-i-Pakistan. He expressed optimism about the “decisive phase” of the struggle for “true freedom.”
The Punjab government also enforced Section 144 in various cities, with PTI criticizing these measures as creating a curfew-like situation to hinder its protests.
