Pakistan Suspends Mobile and Internet Services Ahead of Pro-Imran Khan Protest

Islamabad, Nov 24, 2024 – In anticipation of a large-scale protest organized by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Pakistani government has partially suspended mobile and internet services across major cities. The protest, scheduled for Sunday, aims to demand Khan’s release from custody.

According to monitoring service NetBlocks, the government has also imposed restrictions on social media platforms and is targeting VPN services, which protesters have used to bypass internet censorship in the past. The aim is to prevent the spread of protest-related content and control the flow of information.

The protest is expected to see large crowds gather, calling for Khan’s release amid political tensions and rising unrest. Pakistan’s authorities are taking measures to minimize the impact of the demonstration, with security forces on high alert.

The internet shutdowns and social media bans are part of a broader effort by the government to maintain control and avoid potential disturbances, though the move has raised concerns over freedom of expression and access to information.