ISLAMABAD: Mobile phone services are expected to be suspended in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Attock on September 26 and 27 as authorities step up security ahead of the PTI protest scheduled for September 27, as per the report on Wednesday.
According to the report, the Punjab Home Department has sent a formal request to the federal Ministry of Interior for the suspension or downgrading of mobile and internet services at selected locations in Rawalpindi and Attock.
Authorities have requested the jamming of 2G, 3G and 4G services at specific points in Rawalpindi, while a similar restriction on mobile and internet connectivity has been sought in Attock.
The proposed restrictions would also cover several points along the motorway, including Brahma Bahtar, Ganjoo, Ahata, Taxila City, Wah Saddar, Thallian and Chakri. Mobile and internet services at these locations have been proposed for downgrading or suspension.
Under the proposed plan, connectivity at selected locations in Rawalpindi and Attock would remain restricted from September 27.
The possible shutdown of telecommunications services comes as authorities introduce wider security measures and close major routes connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the federal capital to limit the movement of protesters towards Islamabad.
Travel Restrictions
The Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1), Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway (M-14), also known as the CPEC route, and the Grand Trunk Road (N-5) have been ordered closed indefinitely from Wednesday evening.
The National Highways and Motorway Police said the closures would begin on Wednesday night and continue until further notice.
The M-1 will remain closed to traffic in both directions between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chhachh Interchange. The M-14 will be blocked between Hakla and Kundal, while the GT Road will be closed in both directions at Attock Khurd.
The road closures and proposed restrictions on telecommunications services come as authorities increase security in Attock, which serves as an important route between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Punjab and the Islamabad-Rawalpindi area.
Security has also been increased around Hazro and nearby bridges, which are considered key routes for the planned march. Containers and sandbags have reportedly been placed at Attock Bridge and Haroon Bridge, two major crossings between KP and Punjab.
Security has also been strengthened at the Chhachh and Ghazi interchanges. Nearly 30,000 personnel, including senior officers, have reportedly been deployed across the district.
With mobile services potentially remaining suspended for two days and major highways closed at the same time, authorities have put extensive security arrangements in place ahead of the September 27 protest.