The Pakistani government has suspended mobile and internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and sealed the capital’s entry and exit routes ahead of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP), a radical Islamist party, planned ‘Labbaik Ya Aqsa Million March’ on Friday.
Dozens Injured in the Clash
Violent clashes between law enforcement officials and members of the party in Lahore City left dozens injured over the issue of an anti-Israel protest, police said on Thursday. Following an announcement by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan to hold an anti-Israel demonstration outside the US embassy in Islamabad on Friday, the Punjab police raided the TLP headquarters here to arrest its chief, Saad Hussain Rizvi.
Violence broke out in the city late on Wednesday night and Thursday after the Punjab police launched the crackdown. According to reports, the Ministry of Interior directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend mobile and internet services in the twin cities from midnight on Friday for an indefinite period. The move, approved by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, comes amid heightened security concerns over the TLP’s protest call.
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Section 144 Imposed With Immediate Effect
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has also imposed Section 144 across the province with immediate effect, banning all kinds of protests, rallies, and public gatherings for 10 days. A notification from the provincial home department stated that gatherings of four or more people in public places, streets, and open areas will be prohibited. However, the restriction will not apply to prayers, weddings, funerals, offices, or court premises. In Rawalpindi, Section 144 is already in effect till October 11, while in Islamabad, all major entry points have been barricaded. The Red Zone has been completely sealed, with access limited only to authorized personnel via Margalla Road.
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