PTI Protests Pakistan: Internet Disruptions Wreak Havoc Across Major Cities

As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) gears up for its critical “do-or-die” protest in Islamabad, communication services across the country are facing significant disruptions. The outages, part of the government’s heightened security measures, have left residents and businesses in major cities grappling with limited connectivity.

Widespread Internet and Mobile Outages

Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and several cities in southern Punjab are experiencing severe communication disruptions:

Islamabad & Rawalpindi: Mobile data services have been entirely suspended.
Karachi: Residents report major mobile internet outages since last night.
Peshawar: Partial internet disruptions are reported, though mobile networks remain functional.
Southern Punjab Cities: Bahawalpur, Kamalia, and Toba Tek Singh, along with Dera Ismail Khan and Gujranwala, face widespread outages.
In a statement, the Ministry of Interior assured the public that these suspensions are limited to high-risk areas and that connectivity in other parts of the country remains unaffected.

Enhanced Security Measures

The government has rolled out extensive security protocols to manage the tense situation:

Over 8,000 additional police officers, supported by Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) units, have been deployed in Islamabad.
Punjab has mobilized 10,700 extra police personnel and enforced Section 144, banning public gatherings for three days (November 23-25).
Islamabad’s entry and exit points are sealed, with heavy surveillance in place.
These steps aim to prevent PTI protesters from entering the federal capital, following strict directives from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

PTI Protest: Key Issues at Stake

The PTI protest, spearheaded by the party’s incarcerated leader, seeks to address several grievances, including:

Allegations of election rigging.
The detention of party workers.
Opposition to the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
Despite multiple attempts at dialogue, negotiations between PTI and the government have failed, escalating tensions further.

Impact on Daily Life

The disruptions have caused significant inconvenience to citizens, particularly in business hubs like Karachi, where mobile internet outages have hampered routine activities. While the government justifies these actions as critical for public safety, frustration is mounting among residents and businesses relying on uninterrupted connectivity.

Diplomatic Concerns

Adding to the government’s security challenges, the protest coincides with the upcoming state visit of the Belarusian President (November 25-27). Authorities are under pressure to ensure smooth diplomatic proceedings amidst rising political turmoil.