Mobile Phone Service Suspended in Parts of Islamabad

Mobile phone services have been suspended in parts of Islamabad, primarily in Red Zone areas, amid security situation in the capital, we have confirmed.

On directions of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, cellular mobile operators shut down their networks in Red Zone. A notice sent to mobile companies said them to remain prepared for suspension of services in other parts of the capital as well.

Currently the span of service closure starts from Pakistan Secretariat in G5, President House, Parliaments, Prime Minister House, Diplomatic Enclave, Bari Imam and surrounding regions, i.e. area starting from Margalla Road to Kashmir Chowk & China Chowk till Quaid-e-Azam University.

Notice from PTA said that service has to remain suspended till further orders.

Experts say that this suspension of cellular service has to do with the Independence Day Parade that is due tomorrow. Additionally, the Long March has also established a ground where Ministry of Interior deemed it appropriate to suspend services in critical areas of federal capital.

Interior Ministry has hinted severe situation when PTI lead Long March will reach Islamabad somewhere around evening of August 14th, 2014.

Prevailing situation may demand for service suspension in further areas of Islamabad till the settlement of the law and security situation in the city.

Suspension of cellular service particularly during political processions and Long Marches causes large scale panic among the masses. Co-ordination, planning, grouping and organization of such events face intensive challenges in the absence of cellular services.

We have also seen in the past that suspension of cellular service can irks riots and can end-up in brutal damage of private and public property, just because in absence of any communication (from the leadership) mobs can get blind and violent.