Mobile and Internet Services Restored After 51-Hour Blackout in Islamabad Amid Political Protests
After a prolonged 51-hour blackout, mobile and internet services were restored in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on October 6. This suspension, which had significantly impacted residents and businesses, resulted from heightened government security measures to curb potential unrest during political protests. The shutdown, coinciding with demonstrations led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, caused widespread communication disruptions, affecting vital services such as online banking, ride-hailing, and food delivery.
The protests, held in the capital’s D-Chowk area, escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. The authorities blocked major roads using shipping containers and cut off mobile networks to prevent coordination among protesters. While indoor Wi-Fi remained operational, the lack of mobile data created chaos, particularly for those needing medical services and emergency communications. Many residents reported severe inconvenience due to the shutdown.
The restoration came after the Islamabad High Court intervened, ordering the government to ensure normalcy and designate an official space for peaceful protests. This judicial intervention played a crucial role in the restoration of services. Despite the resumption of services, concerns remain over the repeated use of such shutdowns as a security measure, which has increasingly disrupted daily life in the capital.
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