Internet shutdowns in Pakistan as Imran Khan’s party prepares for protests
Pakistani media reported that before protests by the supporters of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, internet and telecommunications services were cut off in several cities. PTI had called on its supporters to gather for a protest on Friday at D-Chowk in Islamabad.
Early on Friday, reports confirmed that as a preventive measure, internet and communication services were disrupted in major cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Karachi.
At the same time, the local government of Punjab has banned protests in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Attock, and Sargodha to prevent unrest.
Earlier reports indicated that security measures in Islamabad had been tightened in anticipation of the protests, with security forces deployed to safeguard the capital’s red zone.
Under the leadership of its founder Imran Khan, PTI had called for a large protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad on Friday, urging supporters from various cities to join.
The Pakistani government has also set up security barriers, including containers, at key entry points from Rawalpindi to Islamabad to control the flow of protesters.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had warned PTI to cancel its protest due to the presence of high-level foreign officials, including the prime minister of Malaysia, in the capital.
Despite the government’s warnings and security measures, PTI leaders refused to cancel the protest and insisted on going forward with the demonstration, challenging the government’s authority.
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