Pakistan will suspend mobile and internet services before Tehreek-e-Insaf protests.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government is set to temporarily suspend mobile phone services as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has confirmed its plans to go ahead with protests expected on November 24, despite dire warnings. .
To deal with the protesters, the federal government has taken strict security measures, including the possible suspension of mobile service across the country from Saturday evening.
The government has strictly instructed law enforcement agencies to prevent PTI supporters from entering the capital Islamabad, where protests are expected. Police vehicles have been dispatched to the capital, and detailed plans have been made to arrest and detain protesters if necessary.
The government is preparing for a clash, as PTI marches have led to violent clashes between party supporters and police officials.
PTI’s protests have also raised concerns as they coincide with the visit of the President of Belarus, who is scheduled to visit Pakistan on November 25. To ensure security during the visit, the government has imposed Section 144 in Islamabad for two months, an additional 8,000 police personnel.
The Punjab government has also imposed Section 144 across the province from November 23 to 25. More than 10,700 police personnel are on standby to ensure public safety. The PTI’s decision to go ahead with the protest comes after a breakdown in talks with the government, particularly over Imran Khan’s demand for his release by Friday, which was rejected by the government.
