The Punjab government has reportedly approached federal authorities seeking restrictions on mobile phone and internet services in selected areas ahead of a planned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest and march toward Islamabad on September 27.
According to reports, the Punjab Home Department has written to the federal government requesting the suspension or downgrading of mobile and internet services in specific parts of Rawalpindi and Attock.
The request comes as security preparations intensify ahead of the planned political activity. The reported measures are intended for specific locations rather than the entire province of Punjab.
In Rawalpindi, the areas mentioned in reports include Brahma, Bahter, Taxila, Wah Sadar and Chakri. Specific areas of Attock have also been included in the request.
Reports indicate that authorities are considering both the downgrading of mobile and internet services and the weakening of signals in selected locations. The exact duration and final scope of any restrictions have not been publicly confirmed.
The reported telecommunications request is part of broader security arrangements surrounding the September 27 protest. The PTI has announced a nationwide protest and march toward Islamabad, with the party saying the demonstration is aimed at seeking the release of its founder Imran Khan and emphasizing constitutional supremacy.
Security preparations have also expanded beyond telecommunications. Punjab has requested Rangers deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali ahead of the planned march, according to the Punjab Home Department.
Additional police personnel are also being sent to Islamabad. Punjab is providing 19,000 police officers and personnel, while Sindh is sending a contingent of about 1,950 personnel to assist with security arrangements in the federal capital.
Road access has also become part of the security preparations. Major highways connecting Islamabad with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been closed until further notice, according to the National Highway Authority, while shipping containers have been placed at various locations in Islamabad.
The Islamabad High Court has separately issued directions concerning the planned march. The court ruled that political parties and leaders do not have a legal right to occupy public roads, highways or other public places in a way that obstructs citizens’ movement.
For residents in the affected areas, any restriction on mobile or internet connectivity could influence access to online services, communication, digital payments and other internet-dependent activities.
However, the reported request does not currently establish that mobile or internet services will be shut down across Punjab. The measures under discussion are focused on selected areas, and final implementation would depend on decisions by the relevant federal authorities.
Further information on the affected locations, timing and extent of any telecommunications restrictions is expected as authorities finalize security arrangements ahead of September 27.
