Pakistan Suspends Mobile Internet in Islamabad, Rawalpindi Amidst Protests
Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control has suspended mobile internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi today, October 10, 2025, ahead of a planned demonstration in solidarity with Palestinians.
The suspension of 3G and 4G services began at midnight and will remain in effect until further notice, according to a security notice signed by Section Office Syed Hammad Hassan. Simultaneously, the Punjab government imposed Section 144, banning public gatherings and protests for ten days, building on existing restrictions already in place in Rawalpindi until October 11. Major entry points into Islamabad have also been blocked.
These measures were taken in anticipation of the ‘Labbaik Ya Aqsa Million March’ organized by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) to demonstrate support for Palestinians. The protest follows recent clashes between TLP members and police attempting to march towards the US Embassy in Islamabad, fueled by opposition to what the party perceives as the Pakistani government and Army Chief Asim Munir’s alignment with US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding a potential Gaza peace plan. The TLP stated on its official website that the march, under the banner of “Labbaik Ya Aqsa” (O Aqsa, We are always there for you), is also a response to unconfirmed reports of potential Pakistani recognition of Israel – a move that could significantly alter regional diplomatic dynamics.
The US Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan have issued a statement acknowledging the planned protests and advising American citizens to avoid large gatherings and remain vigilant. They noted potential traffic congestion, increased security checkpoints, and disruptions to mobile networks, similar to those experienced during previous demonstrations in the region. You can find further travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State. This disruption to communication networks highlights the Pakistani government’s concerns about maintaining order during periods of heightened political and social tension, as seen in Pakistan’s complex geopolitical landscape.
Officials have indicated they are continuing to monitor the situation and will reassess the security measures as events unfold.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control issued a security notice on October 9, announcing the suspension of mobile internet in Islamabad and Rawalpindi ahead of an anti-Israel protest.
Signed off by Section Office Syed Hammad Hassan, it said, “I am directed to state that the Competent Authority (I.e. Minister for Interior & Narcotics Control) has accorded approval to suspend 3G/4G services in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, starting from 12 am tonight till further orders.”
On top of that, the Punjab government went on to impose Section 144 with immediate effect, banning public gatherings, protests and other such demonstrations for ten days. Section 144 is already in place in Rawalpindi until October 11. Meanwhile, all major entry points have been blocked in Islamabad.
Pakistan protests: What’s happening
The decision was sounded off as the radical Islamist party as Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) launched its ‘Labbaik Ya Aqsa Million March’ on Friday to extend their solidarity to Palestinians. It comes after clashes between the TLP and police, as party members and their supporters attempted to march to the US Embassy in Islamabad.
These protests have emerged as a consequence of the Islamist party’s opposition to the Pak Prime Shehbaz Sharif government and Army Chief Asim Munir‘s “surrender” to US President Donald Trump and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and their acceptance of the Gaza peace plan.
“Earlier, TLP has announced to hold a million march from Faizabad Interchange, Islamabad towards US embassy in Diplomatic Enclave. The march, announced for Oct 10 (Friday), will be organised under the banner of “Labbaik Ya Aqsa” (O Aqsa, We are always there for you) vowing the solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestine,” the party said in a blog post on its official website. “The march is also in the wake of reports circulating that the current government is considering the recognition of the illegal Israeli state, however such reports have not been corroborated yet.”
US Embassy speaks out amid Pakistan unrest
Consequently, the US Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan issued a news release, drawing attention to the unrest caused by these processions. “US Embassy Islamabad and the US Consulates General in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar are monitoring planned protest activity across Pakistan on October 10, 2025,” the official US government website stated.
“Large crowds and traffic congestion are expected, along with a precautionary security presence, an increased number of checkpoints, and associated disruptions to local mobile and internet networks in the region.” Further noting that the protest may lead to traffic delays, the government said their duration is also unknown. The US Embassy went on to advise American citizens to avoid large gatherings, while staying cognisant of their surroundings.
This is a developing story.
