Pakistan suspends internet, seals roads ahead of Tehreek-e-Labbaik’s anti-Israel protest: What’s happening there?

Pakistan suspends internet, seals roads in Islamabad

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.

This comes after the radical Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) launched its ‘Labbaik Ya Aqsa Million March’ to show solidarity with Palestinians. The march follows clashes between TLP supporters and police in Lahore, where party members attempted to reach the US Embassy in Islamabad.

The directive, signed by Section Officer Syed Hammad Hassan, stated, "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."

پاکستان۔ تحریک لبیک کا احتجاج، لاہور،راولپنڈی اوراسلام آباد میں ہنگامہhttps://t.co/ni0GTjG6xz#Pakistan #PTL #Lahore #islamabad #Clash pic.twitter.com/1rDvwfYvJQ

— Awaz-The Voice URDU اردو (@AwazTheVoiceUrd) October 10, 2025

"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.

Security measures and internet suspension

Authorities have tightened security across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, blocking major roads and intersections. Containers and trailers are positioned along key routes to control potential unrest, with police already detaining local TLP leaders, 280 arrests reported in Islamabad alone.

The Ministry of Interior directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend mobile and internet services indefinitely in the twin cities, while some educational institutions announced closures in anticipation of the rally.

The Punjab government also imposed Section 144, banning public gatherings, rallies, and protests for ten days, although exemptions were made for prayers, funerals, weddings, offices, and courts. Access to the Red Zone in Islamabad is restricted to authorized personnel via Margalla Road, and law enforcement agencies remain on high alert.

Clashes in Lahore

Earlier violence erupted in Lahore after police attempted to arrest TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi, leaving at least five police constables and over a dozen TLP workers injured. TLP claimed one worker was killed and 20 others were injured.

The TLP spokesperson condemned government actions:

"To stop the peaceful 'Labbaik Ya Aqsa Million March', the Punjab government of (chief minister) Maryam Nawaz has resorted to disgraceful tactics. The oppression against unarmed workers and officials of TLP must be stopped immediately."

He added:

"The Jews are oppressing Muslims in Gaza, and here their supporters are oppressing Muslims here. The voice of truth cannot be silenced through force. Every act of oppression will fail."

Following the arrests of TLP leaders, including deputy chief Pir Syed Zaheer-ul-Hassan Shah, the party warned that continued oppression could provoke public backlash.