Islamabad authorities suspended mobile internet services across the capital and neighbouring Rawalpindi on Friday, October 10, 2025, while blocking more than 70 roads ahead of a TLP protest internet suspended near the US embassy. The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) called the “Ya Aqsa Million March” to protest Israel’s actions in Gaza, but officials deemed it unpermitted and inflammatory. Measures kicked in at midnight on October 9 and run until 10pm today, aiming to prevent violence that injured at least three police officers in prior clashes.
This TLP protest internet suspended underscores Pakistan’s delicate balance between free expression and public safety, with ripple effects across South Asia. As the Israel-Palestine conflict fuels global outrage, such events test regional governments’ ability to manage domestic fervor without stifling dissent or inviting escalation. In a neighbourhood already strained by border tensions and economic woes, a Pakistan internet shutdown during TLP demonstration could amplify calls for solidarity, potentially straining ties with Western allies like the US.
Pakistan Internet Shutdown Disrupts TLP Demonstration
The Pakistan internet shutdown TLP demonstration began with a swift directive from the Ministry of Interior. On October 9, the ministry instructed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to halt 3G and 4G mobile data services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. This step targeted coordination risks during the TLP protest internet suspended, affecting millions reliant on mobile networks for communication and navigation.
PTA enforced the order in tandem with local commissioners and police chiefs. Services remain active for voice calls and SMS, but data access stands frozen until 10pm on October 10. Residents report frustration over disrupted banking apps, ride-hailing, and social media updates. One commuter noted delays in reaching offices due to unverified traffic alerts.
This marks the latest in a series of connectivity curbs in Pakistan. Last month, similar suspensions hit Balochistan amid security concerns, lasting weeks. Data from PTA logs show such blackouts occur 10-15 times yearly, often tied to protests or elections.
Interior Ministry’s Official Directive on Suspension
The Interior Ministry’s notification, dated October 9 and addressed to PTA Chairman, leaves no ambiguity. It mandates “immediate suspension of mobile broadband services” in the twin cities, citing “law and order imperatives.” Coordination falls to the Islamabad commissioner, police chief, and Rawalpindi’s regional officer.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry elaborated during a press conference on October 9. “The government always allows peaceful marches and demonstrations,” he said. “However, the TLP had not sought permission for its protest in the capital.” Chaudhry criticised TLP speeches as “inflammatory and abusive,” adding, “The people of Palestine do not want sloganeering; they want peace. They want their homeland. Such so-called protests, speeches are not needed.”
Authorities seized gas masks, chemicals, and other items from TLP workers, which Chaudhry said were meant for the rally. This intelligence prompted the pre-emptive Pakistan internet shutdown TLP demonstration.
Roads Blocked Amid Heightened Security for TLP Protest
Over 70 shipping containers now seal key entry points in Islamabad, transforming the federal capital into a fortress. The Faizabad Interchange, site of past TLP sit-ins, bears the brunt with barriers blocking all approaches. Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration sealed the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone, home to embassies and government buildings.
Traffic police issued a diversion plan at 6am on October 10. Heavy vehicles face a total ban on entering the city until further notice. Lighter traffic reroutes via Murree Road and GT Road, easing pressure on Faizabad but snarling suburbs. Metro Bus Services halted operations until evening, stranding thousands of daily commuters.
Central Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi Khalid Hamdani warned of strict enforcement. “Under no circumstances will anyone be allowed to take the law into their own hands or block roads,” he stated. “Any violent activity under the guise of protest will be dealt with firmly.” His remarks followed clashes on October 9, when police raided TLP’s Lahore headquarters to arrest chief Saad Rizvi. Supporters hurled stones and rods, injuring three constables; officers replied with tear gas.
Section 144, prohibiting assemblies and pillion riding, took effect from October 8 until October 11 across Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Universities closed, and schools declared holidays, affecting 500,000 students. Economic fallout mounts: local traders estimate PKR 50 million in daily losses from stalled commerce.
Daily Life Impacts from Pakistan Internet Shutdown TLP Demonstration
The TLP protest internet suspended ripples beyond barricades. Freelancers in Rawalpindi, a hub for IT work, scramble without data for client deadlines. Hospitals rely on landlines for emergencies, while e-commerce deliveries grind to a halt. One shopkeeper in G-9 sector said, “No internet means no orders; we lose a full day’s revenue.”
US Embassy issued an advisory on October 10 via X, urging citizens to avoid gatherings. “Protests may cause traffic delays due to closed roads,” it read. “Duration unknown; remain aware.” Consulates in Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar monitor spillover risks.
Background: TLP’s History of Disruptive Rallies
Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan rose in 2011, championing blasphemy laws and anti-Western causes. Its 2017 Faizabad sit-in paralysed Islamabad for weeks, forcing a government resignation. A 2021 blockade near the Chinese embassy ended in a deal after deadly clashes that killed 12.
Under Saad Rizvi, jailed since 2021, TLP rebuilt clout through street power. The group claims millions of supporters, drawing from Pakistan’s conservative base. This anti-Israel march ties to Gaza solidarity, echoing rallies in India and Bangladesh. Yet, officials view TLP as a security threat, with past bans lifted only after negotiations.
TLP announced the October 10 event on October 9, vowing a “million march” despite warnings. Party statements decry arrests of workers in pre-dawn raids. Police confirm over 100 held nationwide, but TLP puts it at 200.
Such episodes fuel debates on protest rights in South Asia. Neighbours like India face similar curbs during farmer agitations, while Bangladesh grapples with quota riots. Pakistan’s approach, blending tech blackouts with physical barriers—sets a template, but critics argue it erodes trust.
What’s Next: Monitoring the TLP Protest Internet Suspended
As the day unfolds at 4:35pm, police deploy 5,000 personnel around the US embassy. Drones and CCTV track movements, with snipers on rooftops. If TLP pushes through, expect tear gas and arrests; a peaceful pivot could lift curbs by nightfall.
Longer term, the Pakistan internet shutdown TLP demonstration spotlights policy gaps. PTA data reveals 2025 blackouts cost PKR 1.2 billion in productivity. Rights groups like Amnesty International call for proportionality, warning of “chilling effects” on activism.
Authorities pledge normalcy post-event. Yet, with Gaza tensions unyielding, more TLP rallies loom. Regional watchers eye Islamabad closely, as one spark could ignite wider unrest. The TLP protest internet suspended tests Pakistan’s resolve to safeguard order without alienating the faithful, leaving the capital in watchful limbo.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, October 10th, 2025
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