The federal government has made the decision to partially suspend internet and mobile services in Islamabad, as well as parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for November 24. Sources confirmed the move to Geo News on Thursday, explaining that the action is being taken in response to security concerns surrounding the demonstration.
According to sources, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will implement a firewall for mobile internet services starting on November 22. This will be followed by a suspension of these services across the mentioned regions from November 23. The suspension is expected to affect both mobile internet and broadband services, with the government citing the need to maintain public order during the PTI’s planned protest.
The decision has sparked concerns about the impact on communication, especially in areas where internet access is vital for work and education. However, the government justifies the action as a necessary measure to prevent unrest and manage security risks associated with large public demonstrations. The suspension will likely be temporary, with authorities monitoring the situation closely to determine if further measures are needed based on developments during the protest.
