Internet banned in Islamabad and Rawalpindi ahead of Tehreek-e-Labbaik protests
Pakistan government has suspended internet in the capital, Islamabad, and in Rawalpindi ahead of an anti-Israel protest called by TLP
Islamabad: The Pakistan government has suspended internet in the capital, Islamabad, and in Rawalpindi ahead of an anti-Israel protest called by Islamist political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
Violent clashes between law enforcement officials and members of the party in Lahore city left dozens injured over the issue of an anti-Israel protest, police said on Thursday.
TLP, a hardline Islamist political party threatened to take out a march in twin cities of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Punjab province, to against the proposed Gaza deal, which the group alleges is being backed by United States.
The Ministry of interior directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend mobile and internet services in the twin cities from midnight on Friday for an indefinite period. The move, approved by interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, comes amid heightened security concerns over the TLP’s protest call.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has also imposed Section 144 across the province with immediate effect, banning all kinds of protests, rallies, and public gatherings for 10 days.
A notification issued by the office of Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Hassan Waqar Cheema said that all kinds of protests, sit-ins, gatherings, processions and rallies will be banned in the city till Saturday. During this time, the use of loudspeakers will also be banned in the city.
