Authorities have announced a series of security measures for Rawalpindi and Attock, including downgraded mobile and internet services, a ban on public gatherings, and the closure of major highways, as part of efforts to maintain law and order in the region.
The Punjab Home Department has written to the federal Ministry of Interior requesting the jamming of 2G, 3G and 4G networks at designated sites in Rawalpindi and select areas of Attock.
The restrictions will take effect on September 27, though the department has not specified the exact locations affected or indicated when normal service will resume.
Officials said the move was made at the request of police authorities to maintain law and order, adding that protecting the lives and property of citizens remains the Punjab government’s top priority.
Alongside the network restrictions, the Home Department has imposed Section 144 across the designated areas, effective immediately and remaining in force until October 5.
The order bans carrying or displaying weapons in public places and prohibits gatherings of more than five people on roads, in public spaces or in open areas.
Separately, the federal government has ordered the indefinite closure of three major routes from Wednesday evening: the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M1), the Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway (M14), also known as the CPEC route, and GT Road (N5).
A spokesperson for the National Highways and Motorway Police confirmed the closures would begin Wednesday night.
Under the arrangement, the M1 will be shut to traffic in both directions between Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chhachh Interchange, the M14 will be closed between Hakla and Kundal in both directions, and GT Road will be closed in both directions at Attock Khurd.
