Mobile phone and internet services remained suspended across large parts of Peshawar on Thursday, the day the PTI-led long march was scheduled to reach the city. The suspension began on Wednesday night without any public announcement.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) official confirmed to media that the authority had acted on the directives of higher authorities. The official said the measure was temporary and had been taken as a security precaution during the march, adding that the orders of ministry were conveyed on Wednesday night.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Home and Tribal Affairs Tariq Saeed Marwat did not say whether his department had requested the suspension from the interior ministry. KP Information Minister Shafi Jan was unavailable for comment. The provincial government has issued no statement on the matter.
Several major private schools in Peshawar also stayed closed on Thursday, while government schools, colleges and universities remained open. Many parents learned of the closure only when their children returned home after finding the gates locked.
Yousaf Khan, a resident of Ring Road, said his children were turned away at the school gate and that he had not been informed because of the cellular suspension. One notice issued by school cited the “prevailing political situation” and said classes would resume on Friday.
The Private Schools Regulatory Authority (PSRA) said it had issued no closure order and that action would be taken against schools that closed without government directions.
In a letter to private school heads, the authority directed all institutions to stay open and maintain regular academic activities until it issues clear instructions. It warned that non-compliance would lead to strict disciplinary action under the relevant rules.
