Islamabad/Rawalpindi: The Pakistani government has ordered a suspension of mobile and internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and barricaded access routes to the capital ahead of a mass protest by the Islamist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
The move comes in anticipation of the TLP’s “Labbaik Ya Aqsa Million March,” scheduled for Friday. In preparation, authorities have sealed the Red Zone of Islamabad and restricted entry via Margalla Road; only authorized personnel may enter.
According to government sources, the Ministry of Interior directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend mobile and internet services in the twin cities from midnight onward, on grounds of security concerns. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi approved the measure.
Simultaneously, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province, prohibiting protests, rallies, and gatherings of four or more people in public places for 10 days. The restrictions permit only essential activities such as prayers, weddings, funerals, office work, and court proceedings. In Rawalpindi, Section 144 was already active through October 11.
In Lahore, violence erupted following a raid by Punjab police on the TLP headquarters to arrest its leader, Saad Hussain Rizvi. Several clashes broke out, with both sides sustaining injuries. The police reported that at least five constables and over a dozen TLP workers were hurt; the TLP claimed that one of its members was killed and 20 injured.
The police stated that TLP activists attacked law enforcement with stones and iron rods when the raid commenced, and that Rizvi managed to evade arrest.
