Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has issued a direct appeal to Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), to activate Starlink satellite internet services in Pakistan amid widespread internet disruptions leading up to the party’s planned “do-or-die” protest in Islamabad. The protest, scheduled for Sunday, November 24, aims to restore democracy and protect human rights, according to the PTI.
PTI’s request to Musk highlights the deteriorating state of connectivity in Pakistan, with the government shutting down mobile internet services in cities like Islamabad, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The party expressed fears that a complete internet blackout may be imposed to suppress the protest, making it difficult for citizens and activists to communicate and share their message with the world.
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In a statement on its website, PTI condemned the government’s actions as authoritarian, accusing officials of using internet blackouts and heavy security measures to stifle dissent and suppress opposition voices. PTI’s post to Musk declared: “Millions of Pakistanis are marching for the restoration of democracy, the protection of the constitution, and human rights. The world needs to see and hear their remarkable story! Pakistan needs Starlink.”
The disruptions in mobile and internet services across Pakistan, particularly in southern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have frustrated citizens and raised concerns about freedom of speech and communication. The Pakistani government has cited security concerns ahead of PTI’s protest as the reason for these shutdowns, as tensions rise in the lead-up to the demonstration.
The protest, which coincides with a visit by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, centers on several key demands: the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, claims of election rigging, and opposition to the 26th Constitutional Amendment. PTI is pushing for mass public participation despite stringent security measures, including the enforcement of Section 144 and the deployment of large numbers of police, Rangers, and Frontier Constabulary personnel around Islamabad.
Despite facing significant obstacles, PTI remains resolute in its plans, describing the protest as a critical moment for Pakistan’s fight for democracy and human rights.
