Pakistan Suspends Mobile and Internet Services Ahead of Pro-Imran Khan Protest

Pakistan has partially suspended mobile and internet services in areas deemed to have security concerns as supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan prepare for a protest in Islamabad, Arab News reported today.

The Interior Ministry announced the shutdown on social media, which is itself banned in the country, without specifying the affected areas or the duration of the suspension.

Khan, leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has been incarcerated for over a year and faces more than 150 criminal charges, which his supporters claim are politically motivated. The protest aims to demand his release.

Authorities have also restricted access to social media platforms and targeted VPN services, according to monitoring service Netblocks. This follows a similar shutdown last month that disrupted communications and affected essential services like banking and food delivery. The government has sealed off major roads leading to the capital, further limiting PTI supporters’ movement.