Mobile phone and internet services are expected to be suspended in Islamabad and parts of Punjab ahead of the September 27 Pakistan Tehrik Insaaf (PTI) protest, according to sources.
Sources said mobile and internet services in Islamabad would be suspended on September 27. Services in selected areas of Rawalpindi and Attock are expected to be suspended from September 26.
The Punjab Home Department has requested the federal government to suspend or downgrade mobile and internet services in selected areas, sources said.
The request covers areas of Rawalpindi and Attock and has been made in view of the expected law and order situation.
The move comes ahead of PTI’s planned long march towards Islamabad on September 27.
Security preparations have intensified in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Attock. Authorities have placed containers at several key routes and entry points.
The Punjab government has also sought Rangers deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali until October 5.
Section 144 Imposed
The Punjab government has also sought Rangers deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali until October 5 while Section 144 has been imposed across the province.
The Punjab Home Department has sent a letter to the federal Interior Ministry, requesting the deployment of Rangers in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali until October 5, 2026.
According to the letter, three Rangers companies will be deployed in Rawalpindi, five wings in Attock, and one company each in Jhelum and Mianwali.
Meanwhile, Section 144 has been imposed across Punjab from September 23 to October 5.
Under the restrictions, gatherings of five or more people at public places, roads or open spaces will be prohibited.
The carrying and display of all types of weapons at public places will also be banned.
The restrictions also prohibit inciting or encouraging people to participate in illegal gatherings.
However, the restrictions will not apply to wedding ceremonies, funeral prayers, burials, mosques or other places of worship.
Authorities said Section 144 was imposed due to serious threats to public peace, security, and the lives and property of citizens.
