The federal government has announced an internet service shutdown across major cities in Punjab, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Multan, starting at midnight tonight due to the PTI’s planned protest. While mobile phone services will remain active, internet and Wi-Fi services will be suspended. The decision to suspend mobile signals will be evaluated as the situation evolves.
Firewall in Pakistan by PTA
On November 22, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) activated a firewall on mobile internet services, causing slowed connections and disrupting social media apps.
Terrorist Threat in Islamabad
The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has issued an alert about possible terrorist activities by the Fitna-al-Khwarij group during the PTI protest. NACTA has advised provincial governments to enforce strict security measures, warning that the Khwarij may attempt terrorist attacks during the protest. Intelligence reports suggest that Khwarij militants might enter Pakistan from Afghanistan, potentially targeting major cities.
Despite security warnings, PTI has confirmed its plans to proceed with the November 24 protest. Large convoys from various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are scheduled to depart for Islamabad by 10 a.m., with KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur overseeing coordination and potentially leading some of the convoys. It has also been confirmed that Bushra Bibi, wife of the incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, will not participate in any protests or rallies.
