Web Desk: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has begun preparations for heightened security ahead of a possible long march toward Islamabad on Sept. 27, with authorities considering a temporary suspension of mobile phone services in parts of five districts, officials said.
Authorities have also started monitoring public transport travelling toward Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore as part of measures aimed at tracking movement along key routes, according to government sources.
Officials have identified several locations across five districts where mobile phone services could be partially or completely suspended during the anticipated protest.
However, no final decision has been taken, and any restrictions would depend on the security situation and recommendations from the relevant authorities, the sources said.
The proposed measure would affect only designated areas and would be reviewed in light of developments surrounding the planned demonstration.
Meanwhile, authorities have increased monitoring of vehicles and public transport operating from Peshawar and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa toward Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Officials are reviewing traffic patterns on different routes and monitoring passenger movements as part of the wider security preparations.
The measures come amid concerns that large numbers of demonstrators could travel toward the federal capital if the planned march goes ahead.
Authorities are also collecting information about passengers travelling by train, according to the sources.
The monitoring of road and rail travel forms part of broader preparations being undertaken by security and administrative agencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad ahead of Sept. 27.
Officials have yet to announce whether additional restrictions on transport or communications will be imposed, with decisions expected to depend on the security situation closer to the planned protest.
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