ISLAMABAD: The government is considering partially suspending the internet and mobile services in anticipation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest on November 24 in Islamabad.
PTI founder Imran Khan has given a call for countrywide protests on November 24 (Sunday) for fulfilment of his demands, which also includes his release.
According to Ministry of Interior sources, if the go ahead is given the disruptions will begin on November 23 (Saturday) and may impact various districts of Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab.
FC, Rangers deployed in Islamabad ahead of PTI protest
Sources revealed that a firewall on mobile internet services would also be activated from November 22, causing slower connectivity.
Users may also face restrictions on downloading videos and audio from social media platforms. Depending on the situation, complete suspension of services may be enforced at specific locations.
Earlier Imran Khan reacting to the proposed suspension of Internet services, Imran Khan on his ‘X’ account had termed it tantamount to suppressing voice of the people.
“The repeated disruption of the internet to suppress the voice of the people has cost the country Rs550 billion this year. According to newspaper reports, internet performance in Pakistan has been limited to only 27 per cent. All these heinous steps are only being taken to somehow crush PTI and suppress our voice,” the post read.
The Islamabad administration has already imposed a ban on public gatherings in the capital for two months.
According to the notification issued by the ICT administration, reports “indicate that certain groups are planning to organise unlawful assemblies including Majalis/ processions within the jurisdiction of ICT which can disrupt public place and tranquillity”.