The Punjab government has requested a Rawalpindi internet shutdown in selected areas of Rawalpindi and across Attock district on September 27 as part of security arrangements for an expected law-and-order situation. The request has been sent to the federal Ministry of Interior, which must take the necessary action before any restrictions can be implemented.
According to the Punjab Home Department, authorities have asked for mobile and internet networks to be downgraded or jammed at specific locations. The requested restrictions cover 2G, 3G and 4G services and are not intended to affect the entire province.
Selected Rawalpindi Areas Could Be Affected
The proposed Rawalpindi internet shutdown would apply to selected areas of Rawalpindi city, with the exact locations and timings for some parts expected to be communicated separately.
The Home Department has specifically requested network restrictions along the M-1 and surrounding routes. The areas listed in the request include Brahma Bahtar, Ganjoo, Ahata, Taxila City, Wah Saddar, Thallian and Chakri.
According to the department’s request, mobile and internet services in these locations could be downgraded or jammed from midnight on September 27. The measure is being sought as a temporary security arrangement rather than a permanent suspension of telecommunications services.
The affected locations are significant because several of them are connected to major roads and routes leading toward Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Authorities are preparing for increased movement in the region as several political and other gatherings are expected around the federal capital.
Attock Faces Wider Restrictions
Unlike the selected locations in Rawalpindi, the proposed Rawalpindi internet shutdown arrangements also include a request to downgrade mobile and internet services throughout Attock district.
The Punjab Home Department said the request was made following a recommendation from police authorities to help maintain law and order.
Attock is an important route between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Punjab, making it a key part of security preparations ahead of September 27. Authorities have already increased security at important crossings and routes in the district.
The government has also requested additional Rangers personnel for Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali as part of wider security arrangements.
Why Are Services Being Restricted?
The proposed Rawalpindi internet shutdown is linked to concerns about the expected law-and-order situation on September 27.
The Punjab Home Department has said that the measures are being taken at the request of police and are intended to assist security authorities in maintaining public safety.
Punjab has also imposed Section 144 across the province for 13 days, restricting assemblies, processions and gatherings of five or more people in public places. The Home Department said the order followed multiple threat alerts concerning possible terrorist activity during large public gatherings.
The government has described protecting citizens and their property as a priority while authorities prepare for possible security challenges.
Federal Approval Still Required
It is important to note that the proposed Rawalpindi internet shutdown has not been described as an independently implemented provincial decision.
The Punjab Home Department has formally requested action from the federal Ministry of Interior because telecommunications services fall under the authority of relevant federal institutions. The ministry and other concerned authorities would therefore have to process the request before the restrictions take effect.
This means residents in the affected areas should distinguish between a government request and a confirmed network shutdown. The final implementation, timing and precise coverage will depend on decisions by the relevant federal authorities.
Impact on Residents and Businesses
If implemented, the Rawalpindi internet shutdown could affect mobile data users, businesses, online workers, delivery services and people who rely on internet-based communication.
Residents could experience difficulty using mobile internet applications, online banking services, ride-hailing platforms and other services that depend on cellular data. Businesses operating in affected locations could also face temporary communication challenges.
People travelling through the listed areas may similarly experience disruptions to mobile connectivity. Those who rely on navigation applications or online communication may need to make alternative arrangements if services are restricted.
However, the proposed measures are geographically limited rather than a province-wide internet shutdown.
Security Preparations Continue
The proposed network restrictions form only one part of broader preparations around Rawalpindi and Attock.
Authorities have increased security personnel and taken measures around important entry and exit points. The Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway and other major routes have also faced restrictions as authorities prepare for expected political activity around September 27.
Dawn reported that more than 22,000 security personnel were expected to be deployed in Islamabad, while significant additional security resources were being arranged in Attock.
Residents should wait for official notifications regarding the exact locations and timing of any telecommunications restrictions.
The proposed Rawalpindi internet shutdown highlights the scale of security preparations being made ahead of September 27. While the Punjab government has requested restrictions in selected Rawalpindi locations and across Attock, implementation remains subject to approval and action by the relevant federal authorities.
