Talal Chaudhry says state won’t be “blackmailed by mobs”; security tightened in capital
Authorities suspended mobile internet services across Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Friday as the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) advanced its march towards the federal capital.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, 3G and 4G services in both cities have been suspended from midnight until further notice. The decision, made on Thursday night, was taken to maintain law and order as the situation escalated. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was directed to coordinate with local administrations, including the Islamabad and Rawalpindi commissioners and police chiefs, to implement the suspension.
The move comes as the federal government intensifies efforts to prevent TLP supporters from entering the capital.
During a press conference, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the government was committed to handling the matter peacefully but warned that the state would not be blackmailed by mobs.
Chaudhry questioned the justification for the protest, noting that Palestinians themselves were celebrating the recent Gaza peace agreement.
“The main party to the issue is the Palestinians — and they are celebrating the peace deal. So, what is the reason for this protest now?” he asked.
He accused the TLP of exploiting sensitive religious and political issues for personal gains, recalling that the group had been involved in violent incidents and damage to public property in the past.
“The government will not allow any mob to create unrest or advance towards the capital,” the minister asserted.
Chaudhry added that containers had been placed across Islamabad and Rawalpindi as a precautionary measure to “protect people from miscreants.”
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province, banning public gatherings, processions, and the display of weapons to prevent any untoward incidents.
A statement from the Punjab Home Department said the restrictions were necessary to ensure public safety and maintain order amid growing tensions linked to the TLP march.
