Pakistan has suspended mobile and internet services in select areas of the capital, Islamabad, as tensions rise ahead of a planned protest by supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The government announced the suspension on social media, although it did not specify the affected areas or the duration of the shutdown.
Telecom company Nayatel has offered landline services as an alternative for those impacted by the mobile service suspension. Khan, despite being imprisoned for over a year and facing numerous criminal charges, remains a popular figure, with his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), rallying supporters through social media and messaging platforms like WhatsApp.
In anticipation of the protest, heavy security measures have been implemented, including sealing off key roads and deploying security forces. The government has previously restricted access to social media platforms and VPN services, further limiting communication options for protestors. PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram has indicated that Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, is leading a convoy towards Islamabad, emphasizing the party's determination to mobilize support.
Authorities have warned that any attempt to breach the security perimeter around the city will result in arrests. This situation is exacerbated by the upcoming visit of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, with officials stating that the protests could disrupt diplomatic engagements. The Interior Minister has claimed that while mobile data services are affected, voice services remain operational.