Pakistan to Suspend Internet and Mobile Services Ahead of PTI Protest

ISLAMABAD– Pakistan has decided to partially suspend internet and mobile phone services starting from November 23 in preparation for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest planned for November 24. Services will be suspended in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and several districts in Punjab, with a firewall being activated on mobile internet services from November 22. This will result in slower internet speeds and prevent downloads of videos and audio from social media apps.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has indicated that internet and mobile services may be fully suspended at specific locations depending on the situation. Authorities are taking these measures to ensure security and control potential unrest during the protest.

In the meantime, PTI has formed a special “jihadi squad” of 9,000 youth wing members, led by provincial minister Mina Khan and special assistant Sohail Afridi, to lead the protest. The squad is expected to be positioned at the front of the central protest convoy and is reported to have been equipped with protective gear to guard against shelling. The squad’s formation has raised concerns, with reports describing it as a highly organized and militant force.

These developments are setting the stage for heightened tensions as PTI moves forward with its planned demonstration, aimed at protesting against the current government.