The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has not received any formal order to suspend or downgrade mobile and internet services in Rawalpindi or Attock on September 27, officials confirmed.

The clarification comes as protests have been announced by a political party and Kisan Ittehad, raising questions over possible telecom restrictions in the affected areas.

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has also confirmed that the Ministry of Interior has not issued instructions to PTA for suspending or downgrading telecom services.

PTA officials said the authority would act only if it receives formal directions from the relevant federal authorities. A request submitted by the Punjab government does not automatically authorize the suspension of telecom services.

The Punjab Home Department had asked the Ministry of Interior to suspend 2G, 3G and 4G services at several locations in Rawalpindi on September 27 from 9:00 am.

The requested areas include the route from Barahma Bhatar to the M-1, along with Gango, Ahata, Taxila City, Wah Saddar, Thallian and Chakri. The provincial government said the timing for other identified locations would be provided separately.

It also requested a downgrade of mobile and internet services across Attock district starting September 27.

The request was submitted on September 21 after the Central Police Office, Punjab, communicated concerns regarding the anticipated law-and-order situation.

However, no final federal decision has been communicated to PTA so far. Any suspension or downgrade of telecom services will therefore depend on formal instructions from the competent authorities.