Mobile services reportedly non-functional in parts of Peshawar ahead of PTI march’s expected arrival

PESHAWAR experienced widespread mobile and internet service disruptions on Thursday in an unannounced suspension that began last night. The outage coincides with the path of PTI's long march, which is expected to arrive in Peshawar today, according to PTI's schedule. The protest rally aims to secure the release of party founder and ex-premier Imran Khan, and the march had already reached the Khyber district by Wednesday evening.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed to Dawn that the suspension was ordered at directives of higher authorities, although the provincial government has not provided any information on the matter. The move was reportedly taken as a security precaution during the long march, and the suspension is temporary. Meanwhile, some major private schools across Peshawar also remained closed on Thursday, while government schools, colleges, and universities remained open.

Parents learned about the school closures on Thursday morning when their children returned home to find the school gates locked. Private Schools Regulatory Authority (PSRA) officials stated that no order for school closure was issued, and they have written to the principals of all private schools, demanding that they keep their institutions open until clear directions are received.

PTI's march began on October 4 from Lakki Marwat and is expected to end in Islamabad, despite the Centre warning the party against protests or gatherings in the capital.