Internet and Mobile Services Cut in Pakistan Ahead of Protests Supporting Former Prime Minister

The Pakistani government has blocked entry points to the capital and restricted internet and mobile services in certain areas ahead of organized protests in support of the country's former and imprisoned Prime Minister. On Saturday, December 3, the government announced via a statement on X, formerly Twitter, that mobile services would be temporarily unavailable in regions with 'security concerns,' while services would continue as usual in other areas. This official statement comes despite the fact that the Pakistani government has blocked access to this social media platform for some time, and the Islamic Council of Pakistan declared the use of VPNs 'haram' last week. Supporters of Imran Khan are active on social media, particularly X and WhatsApp, using these platforms to organize protests. The statement did not specify which areas would experience internet and mobile service outages. The Pakistani government aims to 'ban' the activities of Imran Khan's party. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, led by Imran Khan, who has been in custody since August last year, has called for protests, with demonstrators expected to enter the capital from the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the party's main stronghold. Ali Amin Gandapur, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stated that Imran Khan has urged his supporters to continue protests until the government complies with their demands. Approximately 150 legal cases have been opened against Imran Khan on charges such as financial corruption and incitement to violence. He and the PTI have rejected these allegations, labeling them as politically motivated. The Pakistani government has blocked entry routes to Islamabad from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and declared any gatherings illegal. Main streets in the capital have also been blocked with containers, and police and military forces have a significant presence in Islamabad. Last month, Imran Khan's supporters held protests that turned violent, resulting in the death of a police officer and the arrest of several of Khan's supporters. Both sides have accused each other of instigating violence.