Mobile phone networks across Pakistan will continue operating for now, according to senior officials from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), despite security concerns surrounding the planned September 27 long march. A high-level meeting involving the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications, and PTA reviewed whether cellular services should be restricted in response to the security situation. The meeting concluded without any order to disrupt mobile network services, while PTA officials confirmed that the Interior Ministry had not issued a directive to suspend telecommunications services in any part of the country.
The clarification comes after authorities introduced several security measures in Rawalpindi and Attock earlier in the week. These measures included restrictions on mobile and internet services in certain areas, a ban on public gatherings and the closure of major highways as part of preparations to maintain law and order. The developments had raised concerns that mobile connectivity could face wider restrictions across the country. However, the latest position from PTA indicates that no nationwide suspension has been ordered and mobile networks will remain operational unless further instructions are issued by the relevant authorities.
The Punjab Home Department had separately approached the federal Ministry of Interior with a formal request seeking the suspension of 2G, 3G and 4G cellular services at designated locations in Rawalpindi and selected areas of Attock. The request was made in the context of security preparations around the planned demonstration. Any such restrictions would therefore depend on formal instructions from the federal authorities and would apply to specified locations rather than automatically affecting mobile networks across the country.
For the time being, PTA’s position means users across Pakistan can continue to access cellular services without a nationwide shutdown. The situation remains subject to security assessments and any subsequent directions issued by the government. PTA has not announced a countrywide suspension, while the latest meeting between the relevant authorities ended without an order to curtail mobile services. Any future restrictions would need to be communicated through the relevant authorities and could depend on developments surrounding the September 27 demonstration.
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