The shutdown also affected basic services
Authorities shut down mobile networks and the internet in Islamabad on October 4, 2024.
The shutdown occurred to prevent people from gathering for a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Party protest at D-Chowk.
The federal police have formed a three-tier security cordon around the protest venue to prevent the demonstrators from entering the Red Zone.
Roadblocks and security measures were also enforced in Rawalpindi. Many continue to face difficulties travelling because of obstacles placed on roads.
Supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan were attempting to march on Islamabad from the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where Khan’s party holds power.
Reports said police swung batons and used tear gas to prevent rallygoers from entering the capital.
The suspension of cell phone service in Islamabad and Rawalpindi disrupted communications. The shutdown affected basic services like online banking, ride-hailing, and food delivery.
Pakistan has a long history of internet disruptions during periods of political turmoil. In 2023, after Imran Khan’s arrest, there was a four-day blackout.
On October 4, police arrested some of Khan’s party supporters from Islamabad. Two of Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, were also arrested.
The shutdown of networks and the internet has been heavily criticised and raised concerns. For example, Amnesty International stated:
“The blanket shutdown of mobile network and internet in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and complete blockade of roads to the capital imposed ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) protests today, infringe on people’s right to freedom of expression, access to information, peaceful assembly and movement.
“These restrictions are part of a worrying clampdown on the right to protest in Pakistan through internet shutdowns, mass arrests, unlawful use of force and arbitrary imposition of Section 144.”
One picture speaks a thousand
words.Sister of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, is arrested for protesting peacefully in Islamabad.#AleemaKhan pic.twitter.com/6QwFxWwInD
— Bushra Shaikh (@Bushra1Shaikh) October 4, 2024
For some, the shutdown of mobile networks and the internet resembles actions taken by the Bangladeshi government, led by Sheikh Hasina, during the student protests.
Thirty-year-old British Pakistani Mohammed told DESIblitz:
“Look what happened with Bangladesh; the Pakistani government have been acting the same, like a dictatorship.
“It’s happening around the world, even in the UK and Europe. Look how they’ve labelled and tried to suppress peaceful anti-genocide and pro-Palestine protests.
“People are fed up with the corrupt status quo.”
Moreover, social media posts showed people defiantly going against official orders. Men and women used masks and scarves to try and protect themselves against tear gas.
It is 3:30 AM in Islamabad but Pakistanis are still in the streets braving the regime’s onslaught on their peaceful demonstration. The world must know these protests are against the military government’s plan to illegally amend the constitution and turn Pakistan into a… pic.twitter.com/sTqThYvmEc
— PTI USA Official (@PTIOfficialUSA) October 4, 2024
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has banned rallies in Pakistan using a controversial law – Section 144.
The imposition of Section 144, which bans public gatherings, political assemblies, and demonstrations, is said to be aimed at maintaining public safety and safeguarding property.
The restrictions will remain in place in Lahore from October 3 to October 8, while they will be in effect in other cities, including Rawalpindi, Attock, and Sargodha, until October 6.
The Pakistani government is determined to prevent protests and civic unrest from disrupting key events.
For example, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit will occur in Islamabad on October 15, 2024.
Pakistani authorities announced they would deploy troops to the capital starting Saturday to secure the event.
The military will take over security duties from October 5 to 17.
India’s foreign minister, S Jaishankar, will attend the summit and meeting. This will be the first visit by a high-ranking Indian minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade.
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