KARACHI: Mobile phone and internet services have been disrupted in various parts of Karachi as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continues its protest in the city.
Residents in affected areas report slow or no connectivity on mobile data and Wi-Fi services. The disruptions appear to be part of security measures enacted to manage the ongoing demonstrations.
The Ministry of Interior clarified in a statement that the suspension of services is limited to areas deemed high-risk for security concerns. Services in other regions of the country remain operational.
These interruptions coincide with PTI protests in Islamabad, where the federal government has taken significant administrative steps to ensure law and order. The capital has been heavily fortified, with containers blocking entry and exit points, effectively transforming Islamabad into a “container city.”
In addition, large deployments of Rangers, police, and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel are on the ground to mitigate potential unrest. Section 144 has been imposed in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, restricting public gatherings and movement.
The disruptions in Karachi and other cities follow the government’s decision to partially suspend internet and mobile services in Islamabad, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ahead of PTI’s planned nationwide protest today, November 24.
PTI leaders have called for massive participation, with workers from across the country heading to Islamabad to join the demonstration. In response, the government has taken preemptive actions, including deploying heavy security forces, imposing restrictions, and placing containers to prevent PTI from staging a significant power show.
As the situation unfolds, residents and businesses in affected areas continue to face challenges due to connectivity issues. Authorities have yet to announce a timeline for restoring full services.