Internet access will be suspended until all of the instigators have been arrested.
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has declared that internet services in the Pakistan will remain suspended until the vandals responsible for the burning of houses and damage to public property are identified and arrested.
Speaking to a private TV channel, Sanaullah explained that the internet ban was a measure to stop protestors from organizing and communicating through social media platforms to cause further damage. He also noted that while many people use the internet legally, their usage will have to be monitored to ensure that the protests remain peaceful.
Sanaullah hinted that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan may be arrested after May 17, the day when his protective bail expires. Khan was granted a two-week protective bail by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the Al-Qadir Trust case and has been barred from being arrested till May 17. Sanaullah explained that if the court grants Khan protective bail, he would not be arrested at all. However, if there is a reason for his arrest, then he will be arrested according to the law.
The minister stated that the recent actions of the PTI were intolerable, and anti-state and terror activities would not be permitted. The minister cited the evidence collected from Khan’s speeches and the cases filed against him as evidence of his involvement in the protests.
Sanaullah also addressed the blockage of internet services in the country, explaining that the government may seek guidance from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif if the situation is prolonged. The interior minister clarified that there have been no discussions about banning the PTI.
To read more: IHC bars police from arresting Imran Khan in any case till May 17
Sanaullah’s statement highlights the government’s concerns about the use of social media platforms by protestors to plan and execute violent activities. The internet ban will continue until the vandals responsible for the damage are arrested. The fate of Imran Khan remains uncertain, with the government indicating that it may take legal action against him after his protective bail expires.
