PTA to activate firewall for mobile internet; partial suspension of services ahead of PTI protest
PTA to fully activate firewall from November 22. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is set to officially activate its mobile internet firewall starting November 22 (Friday) as part of efforts to regulate internet activities across the country.
The activation of this firewall is expected to cause disruptions in internet speed, potentially slowing down browsing for mobile users in various regions.
In addition to the firewall activation, the federal government has decided to implement a partial suspension of internet and mobile services in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and surrounding areas.
This measure comes in preparation for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s planned protest on November 24, which is expected to draw large crowds. Authorities have taken these steps as part of security measures ahead of the demonstration, ensuring the smooth management of the situation in the capital.
The Islamabad district administration has also enforced Section 144, which bans public gatherings of five or more people, as well as processions, rallies, and demonstrations, for the next two months. To maintain law and order, Rangers and the Frontier Corps (FC) have been deployed in Islamabad, and shipping containers have been strategically placed along major roads in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. These containers are intended to block key routes in the twin cities in anticipation of any disruptions during the PTI’s protest.
