In anticipation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest on November 24, authorities have decided to partially suspend internet and mobile services in various districts of Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab.According to private TV sources, a firewall will be activated on November 22, slowing down internet speeds and restricting video and audio downloads on social media apps.
However, PTI workers have already devised solutions to stay connected.
Shafqat Ayaz, a PTI supporter, highlighted an app called Bridgefy, which operates without the internet, enabling communication during the protest. On “X” (formerly Twitter), Ayaz urged supporters to download the app from both Apple and Play Stores and inform their peers.
Former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Qasim Suri, also recommended two apps, Briar and Bridgefy, for communication in case of mobile and internet outages. He explained that these apps don’t require a phone number or email to create accounts, allowing users to operate anonymously with pseudonyms.
He added that the apps use Bluetooth to communicate, with a range of up to 100 meters (approximately 300 feet). The more users there are, the greater the communication reach.
Journalist Hamid Mir criticized the government’s actions, stating, “On one hand, headlines suggest negotiations between the government and PTI to postpone the sit-in; on the other hand, mobile services are being suspended to sabotage the protest.”
Mir further remarked, “The government seems indifferent to its credibility, while the media appears to be undermining its own integrity.”
A party worker and officebearer of Insaf Youth WING Rameez Satti commented that the move reflects the government’s fear of PTI’s final call.
