Pakistan Closes Roads and Mobile Internet in Islamabad to Stop Religious Group’s March

Islamabad, Oct 10: Pakistani authorities on Friday closed major roads leading to Islamabad and suspended mobile internet services in the twin cities to prevent protesters from a religious group from entering the capital.

The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a hardline Sunni group, had announced a march in Islamabad on Friday to protest killings in Gaza. The demonstration coincided with a truce in the region.

In response, the Ministry of Interior deployed shipping containers to block key roads and directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend mobile internet services indefinitely from 12 am last night. Police sources confirmed that internal and external routes in the cities were closed and mobile services were cut in anticipation of the march.

Earlier, following the TLP’s protest announcement, the Punjab police raided the party’s headquarters in Lahore to arrest its chief on Wednesday, which led to violent clashes and injuries among party members and law enforcement personnel.

In a related move, the Rawalpindi district administration imposed Section 144 until October 11, banning all protests, sit-ins, processions, and gatherings. The notification also prohibited the use of loudspeakers due to concerns over potential violent incidents near sensitive installations.

Police have been deployed throughout Islamabad and Rawalpindi, including at main entry points, in riot gear to prevent escalation. The Red Zone, housing government offices and diplomatic missions, has been completely sealed as a precaution.

The TLP gained national attention in 2017 when it successfully forced the government to reverse changes to the oath of parliamentarians after nationwide protests.

These steps reflect the authorities’ effort to maintain law and order amid tensions arising from the planned TLP march in the capital.