Mobile and internet services suspended in Pakistan’s Islamabad, Rawalpindi due to…, possible protests by Tehreek-e-Labbaik over…

Pakistani authorities have cut off mobile phone and internet services in two major cities: Islamabad and Rawalpindi ahead of a large protest planned by the hardline Islamist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The group had called for a “Labbaik Ya Aqsa Million March” on Friday in support of Palestinians. The government began the suspension at midnight on Friday, fearing unrest as TLP supporters planned to march toward the US Embassy in Islamabad.

According to an official notice issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control on October 9, the suspension will stay in place “until further orders.” The directive, marked “Secret” and “Most Immediate,” was sent to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), asking it to work with law enforcement to carry out the order.

The decision, approved by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, was made due to security concerns surrounding the planned protests. Authorities have also sealed off major entry and exit routes to the capital as a precaution.

Police say that violent clashes broke out in Lahore on Thursday between law enforcement officers and members of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), leaving dozens injured. The tensions rose after the group announced plans for an anti-Israel protest in Islamabad. Following this, Punjab Police raided the TLP headquarters in an attempt to arrest the party’s leader, Saad Hussain Rizvi.

In response, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province for 10 days, banning all types of rallies, protests, and public gatherings. According to a notification from the provincial home department, gatherings of four or more people in public spaces, streets, or open areas are not allowed. However, the restrictions do not apply to prayers, weddings, funerals, offices, or court premises.

The order also bans the display of weapons and the use of loudspeakers throughout Punjab.

In Rawalpindi, Section 144 will remain in effect until October 11, while in Islamabad, authorities have barricaded all main entry points and sealed the Red Zone, allowing access only to authorised personnel via Margalla Road.

Law enforcement agencies are on high alert as the capital prepares for the TLP’s large-scale protest and possible unrest.

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