Internet, mobile services to be ‘partially suspended’ ahead of PTI protest

The federal government has announced the partial suspension of internet and mobile services in Islamabad and other areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab in light of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for November 24.

Maryam Nawaz from Geo News reports that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will activate a firewall for mobile internet service from November 22, and the internet services will be suspended from November 23.

The report also quotes sources that have claimed that internet and mobile services might be suspended at certain locations at any time.

The shutdown will result in users being unable to download audio and videos from social media apps.

The interior ministry has asked the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, which is administered by the PTI, to ensure that the province does not utilise state machinery to facilitate the protest.

"[...] in the wake of protest by PTI, it is requested that it may kindly be ensured that Government of KPK does not utili[s]e state machinery, equipment, officials or finances for political protest by the political party," read the ministry’s letter.

The Punjab government has also made known that the PTI protesters will be dealt with iron-handedly, while Information Minister Azma Bokhari asserted that the demonstrators will be handled the “same as terrorists.”

The Islamabad administration announced on Monday the imposition of Section 144 in the federal capital for the coming two months to avoid any lapse in law and order.

A ban, moreover, has been placed on all processions, rallies, demonstrations and gatherings having five or more than five people, as per the notification issued by Additional District Magistrate Usman Ashraf.

Additional security has also been requisitioned by Punjab and Islamabad police. For this, over 10,700 police personnel from across Punjab have been put on standby equipped with tear gas, rubber bullets, and anti-riot gear.

Islamabad administration alone has requisitioned 8,000 additional personnel from Punjab, Sindh, and Kashmir.

Rangers and the Frontier Corps (FC) are already deployed in the capital, which is likely sealed off with shipping containers by Friday (November 22).