Mobile phone and data services may be suspended in Islamabad and several cities in Punjab, including Lahore and Rawalpindi, due to the ongoing protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). However, at the time of reporting, services were still operational in the federal capital.
The Ministry of Interior announced that the suspension decision would depend on feedback from district administrations. Authorities have already taken steps to limit the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) through mobile data, and WhatsApp services have been blocked on devices using VPNs over mobile networks.
Also Read: Mobile and Internet Shutdowns Expected in Punjab and KP Cities During PTI Protest
Despite this, none of the major telecom companies—Jazz, Ufone, Zong, and Telenor—have been officially informed by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) about a potential shutdown. Telecom executives have indicated that services could be halted quickly if requested by district administrations, as seen in previous events like the general elections.
There is also a possibility that the suspension may not affect the entirety of Islamabad, with landlines and WiFi expected to remain operational, as has been the case in past similar situations. As of now, mobile and internet services continue to function normally in the capital.
