PTI Long March: Government Decides to Keep Political Channels Open, Agrees Not to Impose Immediate Internet Blackouts
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to follow a dual track approach ahead of the long march scheduled on 27th September by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) — to enhance security and administrative measures while holding the possibility of political dialogue.
A high-level consultative meeting was held to discuss the security arrangements and contingency plans, which included key government officials such as the Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and other senior security officials.
Supporting Administration Preparedness and Maintenance of the Dialogue.
In the briefing, participants were assessed on comprehensive measures such as legal, administrative and security measures for managing public gatherings and ensuring law and order in the Federal Capital. But, as per the sources, the authorities had agreed that all political platforms for dialogue be kept open and political avenues not be closed completely, as they were inspired by recent precedent of engagement with Jamaat-e-Islami. The meeting agreed to keep the matter under constant surveillance by regular internal security audits.
Decision on Mobile and Internet Services.
The issue of potential suspending of cellular and broadband internet services in sensitive areas was also discussed at the high level meeting. There was a good discussion and it was decided not to turn off the Internet services prematurely.
The officials pointed out that internet blackouts ahead of the official march could wreak havoc on the lives of ordinary people, businesses and digital commerce. Therefore, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been directed not to take any action on implementing restrictions on internet access until a formal and clear directive comes from the Ministry of Interior.