The Pakistani government plans to temporarily suspend mobile phone services as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party moves ahead with its scheduled protest on November 24, despite government warnings.
In preparation for potential unrest, strict security measures, including a nationwide suspension of mobile services, may begin Saturday evening. Authorities have directed law enforcement to block PTI supporters from entering Islamabad, the focal point of the protest. Police reinforcements and detailed plans for arrests have been deployed.
Read more: ‘PTI Will Break Through Any Barriers to Reach D-Chowk’: PTI Secretary Information
The protest coincides with the scheduled visit of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on November 25, prompting heightened security. Section 144 has been imposed in Islamabad for two months, and 8,000 additional police officers have been requested to maintain order.
In Punjab, Section 144 is in effect from November 23 to 25, with over 10,700 officers on standby. The protest follows failed negotiations with the government, which declined PTI’s demand for Imran Khan’s release by Friday.
