PTBP Web Desk
As tension mounts in anticipation of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for November 24, 2024, various parts of Pakistan are preparing for significant disruptions in communication.
According to reliable sources, mobile and internet services are expected to be suspended in critical regions including Islamabad and Punjab, with potential effects stretching into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has indicated that mobile internet services might be cut off starting from November 22, 2024. This move includes activating firewalls to throttle internet speeds and restrict access to social media platforms. These measures are ostensibly aimed at preventing the spread of potentially inflammatory content during the protests.
Depending on the evolving situation, authorities could opt for even more targeted restrictions, potentially blocking internet and mobile services in specific locales where unrest is anticipated or reported.
In a related security clampdown, Rawalpindi has enforced Section 144, prohibiting public gatherings, rallies, and any assembly of more than four people. This decision was made during a district intelligence committee meeting, reflecting concerns over possible ‘unrest’, ‘extremism’, and ‘terrorism’ as the PTI protest looms.
This enforcement comes in the backdrop of heightened political activity, particularly with Imran Khan, the incarcerated founder of PTI, rallying his supporters for nationwide protests.
In an effort to possibly avert the protests, PTI has set forth conditions for negotiations with the government. The key demand is the immediate relief for Imran Khan, including the quashing of all alleged ‘fabricated’ cases against him and his prompt release from incarceration.
If legal processes for his release are protracted, PTI insists that Khan should be transferred to Peshawar Jail. Additionally, they call for the release of other imprisoned party leaders.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has emphasized that any dialogue regarding the cancellation of the November 24 protest would only proceed after Khan’s release, highlighting the party’s firm stance on this issue.
The suspension of internet and mobile services could significantly disrupt daily life, affecting everything from commerce to emergency communications, raising questions about the balance between security and civil liberties.
The protests and the government’s response underline the ongoing political strife in Pakistan, with PTI’s actions signaling continued resistance against what they perceive as unjust treatment of their leadership.
Public Sentiment: The potential for protests and subsequent communication blackouts could stoke public frustration or even galvanize support for PTI, depending on how events unfold.
November 24 could either mark a significant display of political strength by PTI or escalate into broader conflict if not managed with restraint by all parties involved.
How the government chooses to handle the protests, especially in terms of communication restrictions, will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.
The use of Section 144 and service suspensions raises significant concerns regarding freedom of assembly and expression, likely drawing scrutiny from human rights organizations.
