The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) plans to suspend internet services in Islamabad and Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, and Gujranwala and other cities ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest march scheduled for Sunday, November 24, sources revealed.
While mobile phone services will remain operational, internet and Wi-Fi connectivity will be disabled. Authorities stated that restrictions on mobile signals may also be imposed depending on the evolving situation. The decision follows a request from the Interior Ministry.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, has urged his supporters to march for democracy and judicial independence. However, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticized the protest as an attempt to “usurp the federal capital.”
Khan’s PTI faces challenges after the Islamabad High Court barred rallies and protests over the weekend, citing the visit of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and concerns over law and order.
Khan’s wife stated the protests would proceed unless Khan is released, while the PTI outlined four demands for halting demonstrations.