Pakistan to Face Internet Disruption from Nov 22 ‘Again’?

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is set to activate its mobile internet firewall on November 22, as part of a broader strategy to regulate internet activities across Pakistan.

Sources confirmed to Techjuice on Thursday that following the firewall’s activation, users can expect significant slowdowns in internet speeds, with browsing likely to be affected and the inability to download videos and audio from social media apps.

This move is in preparation for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s anticipated protest in Islamabad on November 24. Sources further revealed that in order to maintain control and prevent disruptions during the demonstration, the federal government has decided to partially suspend mobile and internet services in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and adjacent areas. Internet and mobile services may be disrupted at varying periods in distinct districts of Punjab, KP, and Islamabad.

The Islamabad district administration has implemented Section 144, which prohibits all public gatherings of five or more individuals for the next two months, in addition to the internet restrictions. Rallies, processions, and demonstrations are prohibited under this measure.

Additionally, the region’s security has been enhanced by the authorities, who have already deployed Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC) in strategic locations. During the protest, shipping containers have been positioned along main roadways to obstruct access to critical areas in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

This preparation follows the announcement by PTI leaders that their protest will persist until all demands are satisfied. To guarantee the demonstration’s success, the PTI has established a 12-member coordination committee, which is overseen by the party’s founder, Imran Khan. The committee’s objective is to organize the event and ensure that it is more effective than previous demonstrations.