Roads in Islamabad have been blocked and mobile internet services suspended ahead of a Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protest in the federal capital today.
The TLP has announced plans for a massive anti-Israel demonstration outside the US embassy in the federal capital today. In anticipation of the protest, the Islamabad administration had started placing shipping containers at Faizabad Interchange — the historic site of several TLP sit-ins.
Ahead of the protest, without naming the TLP, the US embassy in Islamabad posted on X that “the US consulates general in Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar are monitoring planned protest activity across Pakistan on October 10, 2025”.
“These protests may cause traffic delays/detours due to closed or blocked roads in the vicinity of the demonstrations. The duration of the protests is unknown. We advise US citizens to avoid large gatherings and remain aware of their surroundings,” the post said.
Internet services suspended
The Ministry of Interior has directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend 3G and 4G services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, it emerged on today.
A directive dated October 9 and addressed to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman stated the ministry had “accorded approval to suspend 3G/4G services in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, starting from 12am tonight till further orders.”
The letter, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, directed the PTA to take “further necessary action” in this regard in coordination with the Islamabad commissioner and police chief, and the Rawalpindi regional police officer.
The ministry did not provide a reason for suspending services, but the development does come amid verious other measures being taken by the authorities ahead of the TLP protest.
Traffic plan
Islamabad traffic police also issued a diversion plan, referring to the “law and order” situation in the Faizabad area — the historic site of several TLP sit-ins.
The plan, posted on Islamabad police’s X account, said the entry of all heavy vehicles in the federal capital would not be allowed until further orders and detailed the diversion routes for smaller vehicles around the Faizabad area.
On Thursday, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said that the government always allowed peaceful marchers and demonstration, however, the TLP had not sought permission for its protest in the capital.
Late on Thursday, violence had also broken out in Punjab, after police launched a crackdown on the headquarters of TLP in a bid to arrest its chief, Saad Rizvi. The clashes left several people injured, including around a dozen policemen.
