A planned 18-hour internet outage in Pakistan has turned into a major political debate. While the government says it is only for repairing a faulty submarine cable, the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) believes it is part of a larger plan to suppress their party. The confusion has left citizens questioning what is really happening behind the scenes.
Nationwide Internet Shutdown for 18 Hours Starting 11 AM Tomorrow
All major internet service providers, including PTCL, Nayatel, Jazz, Zong, Ufone, and Telenor, will suspend services across Pakistan from 11 AM tomorrow for the next 18 hours. The official explanation links the disruption to maintenance work on an international submarine cable, but the reason behind the shutdown remains unclear for many.
Citizens across the country are expressing deep concern, calling for peace and stability. Social media users are sharing prayers for ease, safety, and protection for the nation during this uncertain time.
The TLP’s View: A Hidden Political Motive
The TLP, however, claims there is more to the story. Party leaders have accused the government of using the cable repair as a cover-up for a major crackdown on their workers. In a message shared with their members, the party said the government wants to “erase all evidence” of recent events and arrest their supporters quietly during the blackout.
The TLP compared the situation to the May 9th crackdown on PTI, saying that the same strategy is being repeated. They have told their members to stay away from social media, switch off their phones, and move to safe locations to avoid arrest.
A Battle Between Facts and Fear
The situation has created a mix of facts and fear. On one side, the government’s explanation seems reasonable, repairing an international cable is normal, and the timing was announced in advance. The details about the faulty repeater and coordination with international teams also make it sound genuine.
On the other side, the TLP’s doubts are growing because of the sensitive political climate. They believe that the outage is too conveniently timed and that the government will use it to carry out secret arrests and actions without public attention. This tension highlights a deep trust gap between the people and the authorities.
What Happens Next Will Reveal the Truth
The real answer will only become clear after the maintenance ends. If the internet is restored after 18 hours and no unusual arrests are reported, the government’s explanation will appear valid. But if the blackout continues longer or is followed by widespread TLP arrests, it will support the party’s claims of a hidden motive.
Either way, this incident has already become more than a technical issue it is now a test of trust between the government and the public. The outcome will show whether this was simply a routine repair or a carefully planned political move.
Conclusion
For now, Pakistan waits and watches. The 18-hour internet maintenance has turned into a symbol of deeper political uncertainty. Whether it is a normal repair or something more, the coming days will decide how the nation remembers this event as a simple technical pause or as a strategic blackout in the ongoing political struggle.