Mobile and Internet Services Suspended in Pakistan Amid Anti-Government Protests

Amid ongoing anti-government protests in Pakistan, mobile and internet services have been suspended until further notice. Additionally, various services, including the metro, have been halted. The move comes after the arrest of at least 30 protestors, including the sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, on Friday, October 4. This was reported by local news outlets.

To prevent the previously announced anti-government demonstrations, authorities implemented stringent security measures from early in the day. Large shipping containers were placed on roads to block access in and out of the capital, Islamabad.

In an effort to suppress protests by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the government deployed a significant number of police officers and paramilitary troops throughout the capital. Public gatherings were also prohibited. Despite the bans, supporters of Imran Khan began gathering at Islamabad's D-Chowk.

One protester commented, "I have come here from Karachi. The sight of Islamabad today is unprecedented, and it may never be seen again. Nobody has even arrived yet, but the entire city has been turned into a 'container zone'; it doesn't feel like Islamabad anymore."

Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), recently held several public rallies across the country. In continuation of this series of events, PTI supporters called for a peaceful protest in Islamabad on Friday, demanding, among other things, the release of their leader. A similar protest is scheduled to take place at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore on Saturday.

In anticipation of these protests, the Pakistani government had already imposed strict restrictions last week. Over 30 protestors, including Imran Khan's sister, were detained by police for violating these restrictions. There have also been reports of violence at several locations.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, stated, “We did not permit any protests in Islamabad. Such behavior is not befitting of a Pakistani citizen. We have made it clear that any violation of the law will not be tolerated.”

To further contain the protests, authorities closed the road connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad. In Faizabad, double-layered containers were placed to block all traffic. Until further notice, mobile and internet services will remain suspended. Metro services and ride-sharing bike services have also been halted.