Pakistan to suspend mobile & internet services ahead of PTI protests

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan is set to temporarily suspend mobile phone services as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party confirmed its plans to go ahead with the expected protests on November 24 despite strong warnings.

To deal with the protesters, the federal government has taken strict security measures, including the possible suspension of mobile services across the country from Saturday evening.

The government has strictly instructed law enforcement agencies to prevent PTI supporters from entering the capital Islamabad, where protests are expected to take place. Police vehicles have been dispatched to the capital, and detailed plans have been made to arrest and detain protesters if necessary.

The government is preparing for a clash, as PTI marches have led to violent clashes between party supporters and police personnel.

The PTI protests have also raised concerns as they coincide with the visit of the Belarusian president, who is due to visit Pakistan on November 25. To ensure security during the visit, the government has imposed Section 144 in Islamabad for two months, while requesting an additional 8,000 police personnel.

The Punjab government has also imposed Section 144 across the province from November 23 to 25, with over 10,700 police personnel on standby to ensure public safety. The PTI’s decision to go ahead with the protest comes after a breakdown in talks with the government, particularly over Imran Khan’s demand for his release by Friday, which the government had rejected.