Mobile Internet Services Suspended in Islamabad and Rawalpindi for Second Day

Mobile internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have remained suspended for the second consecutive day on Saturday, following directives from the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control. The move has caused significant disruption in the twin cities, affecting communication, online businesses, and daily digital activities of thousands of citizens.

According to official reports, the suspension of 3G and 4G mobile internet services began at midnight on Friday and will remain in effect until further notice. The order has been issued as part of security measures aimed at preventing any law and order situation due to a planned protest by a religious party. Authorities believe that temporarily cutting off mobile internet access can help stop the spread of misinformation, fake news, and online mobilization that might lead to unrest or violence during demonstrations.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is overseeing the suspension process in close coordination with the Commissioner and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, as well as the Commissioner and Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi. These departments are working together to ensure public safety and to manage any potential threats that could arise from large gatherings. Officials have stated that the measure is temporary but necessary to maintain peace and protect public property.

Residents in both cities have voiced their frustration on social media and through other communication channels, criticizing the government’s decision. Many citizens complained that the outage has disrupted online classes, remote work, banking services, and ride-hailing apps, which rely heavily on mobile internet connections. Small businesses, freelancers, and delivery services are also among those most affected by the shutdown.

Despite the widespread inconvenience, no official timeline has been announced regarding the restoration of mobile internet services. The government has not provided a clear explanation on how long the suspension will last, leaving citizens uncertain about when connectivity will return to normal.

Security officials have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with authorities, emphasizing that the decision was made purely for public safety reasons. Citizens have also been advised to rely only on official government sources and reputable news outlets for updates, as the absence of mobile internet can lead to the spread of unverified information and rumors.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will review the decision based on the security conditions and crowd behavior during the protests. Once the situation stabilizes and the threat level decreases, the services are expected to be gradually restored.

In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed several temporary suspensions of mobile and internet services during sensitive events, political gatherings, and religious processions, primarily as a precautionary step to maintain order. However, digital rights groups continue to raise concerns over such blanket shutdowns, calling them a violation of citizens’ rights to access information and communication.

For now, residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi continue to experience difficulties as they wait for the government to restore full mobile internet connectivity, hoping that the situation will soon return to normal.

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