Security preparations have begun in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad ahead of a possible long march on September 27, with authorities considering a partial or complete suspension of mobile phone services in several areas of the province.
According to government sources, specific locations in five important districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been identified where mobile phone services could be suspended during the possible protest and long march.
The proposed suspension is being considered as part of security measures aimed at maintaining law and order and managing the situation if large numbers of protesters travel towards Islamabad.
However, sources said no final decision has been made regarding the suspension of mobile services.
The decision will reportedly depend on the security situation at the time and recommendations from the relevant authorities.
Authorities have also started monitoring public transport travelling towards Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore from Peshawar and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to sources, the movement of vehicles and passengers along different routes is being monitored as part of the security arrangements. Authorities are collecting information about travel patterns and monitoring routes that could potentially be used by participants travelling towards Islamabad.
The monitoring also extends to passengers travelling by train. Relevant authorities are reportedly gathering information about railway passengers as part of efforts to assess and manage possible movement towards the federal capital.
The security measures are being put in place in anticipation of a possible long march on September 27.
Authorities are assessing different routes and locations in advance to prepare for any potential disruption to public movement and maintain security.
Officials are expected to make further decisions regarding mobile service suspensions and other security measures based on developments closer to September 27.
The measures come as authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad increase preparations amid the possibility of a large-scale political gathering and movement towards the federal capital.