Authorities have stepped up security preparations around Islamabad and Rawalpindi ahead of the PTI-planned September 27 long march, with the possibility of suspending mobile phone and internet services in some surrounding districts being reported.
According to media reports, the Punjab Home Department has approached the federal government with a request to suspend mobile phone and internet services in selected areas of Attock and Rawalpindi, citing concerns over the law-and-order situation.
Punjab government has sought restrictions on telecommunications services, including the suspension of mobile and internet connectivity and the reduction of signals in specified locations.
The request was made in light of the anticipated security situation, with the Punjab Home Department referring to a communication received from the Central Police Office (CPO) Punjab, sources said.
Sources in the Home Department said the provincial authorities had specifically requested internet signal disruption at several locations in Rawalpindi and Attock, including Brahma, Bahtar, Taxila, Wah Saddar and Chakri. The request has been forwarded to the federal authorities for consideration. Any decision on suspending or restricting mobile and internet services will be taken by the relevant federal authorities.
However, no official announcement has been made regarding any suspension of mobile or internet services. The services are currently functioning normally, with no widespread reports of major connectivity problems, slow internet speeds or weak mobile signals.
On the other hand, the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) has confirmed the indefinite closure of several major routes from Wednesday evening.
The Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1) will remain closed in both directions between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chhachh Interchange.
The Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway (M-14), a key route connecting the northern and southern parts of the country and an important CPEC corridor, will also be closed in both directions between Hakla and Kundal. Similarly, traffic on the Grand Trunk Road (N-5) will be stopped in both directions at Attock Khurd.
The restrictions have been introduced as authorities prepare for the expected movement of protesters towards Islamabad on September 27. While the highway closures have been officially confirmed, reports about a possible mobile phone and internet shutdown remain unconfirmed. Any decision to suspend telecommunications services would require an official announcement from the relevant authorities.