The suspension of Wi-Fi services will be determined by the prevailing conditions, with restrictions imposed only in areas of heightened security concerns, according to an interior ministry spokesperson.
“Mobile data and Wi-Fi services will be suspended only in areas with security concerns,” the spokesperson said. “Internet and mobile services will continue to operate normally in the rest of the country.”
These measures are being considered as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares for a protest march towards Islamabad on Sunday.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently imprisoned, has called on his supporters to march towards Islamabad on November 24, demanding action for democracy and the judiciary. However, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has labeled the protest as an “insurrection,” accusing PTI of attempting to take control of the federal capital.
Khan has set four conditions for ending the protests, while his wife has stated that the protest date would only change if Khan is released from jail.
Earlier, sources reported that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is considering shutting down internet services ahead of the PTI protest in Islamabad. The interior ministry has also issued a directive to PTA about suspending mobile phone and internet services, with the final decision on restricting mobile signals dependent on the evolving situation.
Despite potential internet shutdowns, mobile phone services will remain operational in most areas.
Khan is the Boss: PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan emphasized that the ultimate decision regarding the protest rests with Imran Khan.
“Khan sahib is Khan sahib. He is the boss. He doesn’t recommend it; he orders, and we follow,” Gohar said. He clarified that the PTI’s political committee discusses matters based on Khan’s instructions, and it does not have the authority to review or override his decisions.
Gohar also mentioned that he and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had made contact only once, but no commitment had been made regarding when PTI would provide a final response to the interior ministry.
