Mobile and internet restrictions are being planned in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Attock ahead of the PTI long march scheduled for Sept. 27.
ISLAMABAD: Mobile phone and internet services are set to face restrictions in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Attock on Sept. 26 and 27 ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march planned for Sept. 27, according to sources and media reports.
The Punjab Home Department has sent a letter to the federal Ministry of Interior seeking the suspension or downgrading of mobile and internet services in selected areas of Rawalpindi and Attock. The request includes restrictions on network services in sensitive locations and along routes considered relevant to the expected movement.
According to the Punjab Home Department, the request includes downgrading mobile and internet services in specific parts of the Rawalpindi region from Sept. 27. Authorities have also sought the jamming of 2G, 3G and 4G mobile networks at specific locations in Rawalpindi.
The proposed measures include several locations and routes around Rawalpindi, with reports identifying areas including Brahma Bahtar, Ganjoo, Ahata, Taxila City, Wah Saddar, Thallian and Chakri. The restrictions have been requested as part of security arrangements aimed at maintaining law and order during the expected political activity.
Reports also indicate that mobile phone and internet services in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and parts of Attock could be suspended on Sept. 26 and 27. However, some reports describe the measures as restrictions or downgrades in selected areas rather than a province-wide shutdown.
Security arrangements are also being strengthened ahead of the planned PTI march. According to the information provided by sources, around 45,000 police personnel, in addition to Rangers and local police, will be deployed to prevent the march from reaching designated areas.
The Punjab government has separately sought Rangers’ deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali to assist the provincial police with law-and-order duties amid expected political activity on Sept. 27.
The telecommunications restrictions and additional security deployment come amid preparations for the PTI’s planned long march toward Islamabad. Authorities have also taken measures concerning major roads and routes connecting the federal capital with surrounding areas as part of the broader security plan.
The final extent and timing of mobile and internet restrictions will depend on the decisions and approvals of the relevant authorities.
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