In preparation for a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for November 24 in Islamabad, authorities have decided to partially suspend internet and mobile services starting November 23.
According to the Ministry of Interior, disruptions to internet and mobile services may occur in various districts across Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab. Officials further revealed that a firewall will be activated on mobile internet services beginning November 22, which is expected to significantly slow down internet connectivity.
Additionally, downloading videos and audio files via social media apps will reportedly be restricted. Depending on the situation, internet and mobile services may be entirely suspended at specific locations without prior notice.
On November 13, Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, announced that the final call for the protest had been given for November 24. She stated that the demonstrations would persist until their demands were met, emphasizing the need for the nation to decide its future path toward freedom.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur confirmed that preparations for the protest were complete, reiterating Aleema Khan’s declaration that there would be no retreat until their objectives were achieved.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Adviser Barrister Saif described the planned protests as intense enough to potentially disrupt political opponents, referencing Maryam Nawaz’s activities.
Earlier, on November 9, during a gathering in Swabi, Gandapur urged supporters to come out resolutely if Imran Khan issued a protest call, symbolizing their commitment by donning shrouds. He vowed that the party would not relent until Imran Khan was released.
Reports also suggest that Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, actively participates in protest preparations. She reportedly led meetings from the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar, focusing on mobilizing support from the southern and Peshawar regions. Sources indicated that Bushra Bibi tasked provincial assembly members with gathering 5,000 workers each and national assembly members with mobilizing 10,000 workers to ensure the protest’s success.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
