The federal government has ordered the suspension of mobile internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, citing heightened security concerns and ongoing protests by a religious party.

According to an official letter issued by the Interior Ministry to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi approved the decision to suspend mobile internet service in the twin cities. The suspension took effect from Friday night and will remain indefinite until further notice.

Reports indicate that mobile internet service has already been suspended in several areas of Rawalpindi as authorities move to maintain law and order.

Punjab govt imposes Section 144 for 10 days

In a separate development, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province for 10 days, banning the gathering of four or more people in public places, streets, neighbourhoods, and open fields.

According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, the restrictions are aimed at preventing potential unrest and maintaining public safety. The order took immediate effect upon issuance.

However, the government clarified that the ban will not apply to prayers, weddings, funerals, offices, or courts. The notification also announced a complete ban on the display of weapons, public gatherings, and the use of loudspeakers throughout Punjab during this period.

Meanwhile, the Orange Line train and Metro bus services in Lahore have been suspended, causing significant inconvenience for commuters. Several routes have been closed, and operations at the City Terminal, Rahbar Terminal, and other bus stands have also been halted.

Additional restrictions in Rawalpindi until Oct 17

Amid security concerns, the Rawalpindi District Administration has issued a separate notification enforcing Section 144 specifically in the district until October 17, according to which there will be a complete ban on gatherings of five or more people.

Under this order, pillion riding on motorcycles has been banned, and attempting to remove police barriers or obstacles has been declared a criminal act.

The notification also prohibits carrying weapons, sticks, shotguns, ball bearings, and explosives. Authorities have warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone violating these orders or delivering provocative speeches.

Protests by religious party cause major disruptions

In Islamabad, multiple entry points to the Red Zone as well as various other points in the city have been completely closed due to the ongoing protests. Containers have been placed to block Serena Chowk, Express Chowk, Nadra Chowk, and Marriott Chowk, effectively sealing off the area. Only the Margalla Avenue area is open to enter the Red Zone.

The Metro bus service as well as the CDA inter-city bus have been suspended in the twin cities indefinitely. Additionally, Faizabad on Murree Road, including the Faizabad Bus Stand, has been closed with heavy containers, causing severe traffic disruption. Zero Point has also been sealed as part of the citywide security lockdown.

These closures have paralyzed movement across key routes in the twin cities, with citizens facing widespread inconvenience amid restricted mobility and disrupted mobile communications.