Mobile internet services were gradually activated in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Wednesday morning after a three-day ”suspension” due to a lockdown by authorities to prevent “peaceful” protests. Residents would spend the last days stuck, tethered only to their Wi-Fi signal and making typical mobile calls.
The protest ended in the early hours of Wednesday after a bloody operation carried out by law enforcement agencies on Jinnah Avenue. Beyond that, normalcy is being restored in life at the twin cities. According to sources at the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the internet suspension was executed on Interior Ministry directives for security reasons.
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Such firewalls were also employed to restrict social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, making it impossible for users to upload and download media files on occasion. The mobile internet services are currently operational, and further evaluation pertaining to the security situation will determine when the restrictive release of social media platforms will recommence.
Academics deem Wi-Fi and regular mobile network services as unasserted even during the interruption. However, the prolonged disconnection has been a big blow to communication and digital activities for most residents and companies in the affected areas during those days.