Mobile Internet Restored in Islamabad and Rawalpindi After Three-Day Suspension
Mobile internet services were restored in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Wednesday morning after a three-day suspension. The disruption, which began earlier in the week, was a direct result of the authorities’ lockdown aimed at curbing peaceful protests. During the outage, residents were left relying on Wi-Fi and traditional mobile calls for communication.
Read More: PTI Concludes Islamabad Protest Police Detain Hundreds in Major Operation
Protest Ends Amid Brutal Operation
The suspension followed a brutal operation by law enforcement on Tuesday night to disperse protesters at Jinnah Avenue, marking the end of the protests. With the situation gradually returning to normal, life in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi has begun to stabilize. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed that the suspension was carried out on the orders of the Interior Ministry for security reasons.
Social Media Restrictions and Challenges
Along with the mobile internet disruption, access to popular social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, was restricted through the use of a firewall. Users reported difficulties uploading and downloading media files during the outage, with many facing challenges in maintaining digital connectivity. While mobile internet services are now operational, sources within PTA have indicated that the restoration of social media platforms will follow a thorough assessment of the security situation.
Impact on Communication and Business
Despite the suspension of mobile internet and social media services, Wi-Fi and regular mobile network services remained largely unaffected. However, the prolonged suspension severely impacted communication and digital activities, with many residents and businesses in the affected areas struggling to maintain connectivity.
