Amid the looming “do-or-die” protest announced by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on November 24, the federal government has decided to partially suspend internet and mobile services in Islamabad and other areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority will activate its firewall for mobile internet service from November 22 and the aforesaid services will be suspended from November 23, added the sources.
The development comes as the former ruling party — which has repeatedly called for the release of its incarcerated founder Imran Khan and the return of its mandate which it alleges was stolen in the February 8 polls — has announced holding a protest march in the federal capital this week.Play Video
With the party hinting at chances of its protest turning into a sit-in, authorities have already begun gearing up for the demonstrations — which in the recent past have resulted in clashes between the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and PTI workers.
Sources have said that internet and mobile services might be suspended at certain locations at any time which will leave the users unable to download audios and videos from social media applications.
Meanwhile, the interior ministry has asked the KP government to ensure that the province does not utilise state machinery for the protest.
