Following the declaration of a state of emergency and "governor's rule" in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, reports indicate the start of public protests in parts of the province. These protests are occurring despite a widespread shutdown of internet services in the region.
According to social media reports, mobile internet services have been cut in most cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, making it difficult to report on the situation. However, users with access to Wi-Fi or other means of bypassing the restrictions have been publishing videos of the demonstrations.
In the released videos, students from the University of Peshawar and groups of young people can be seen marching in some of the city's squares on Monday evening. The protesters, who appear to be mainly supporters of Imran Khan's PTI party, are chanting slogans against the federal government's decision.
The main slogan of the protesters is "Governor Raj, Namanzur" (Governor's rule, unacceptable). They are also chanting slogans in support of democracy and against what they call an "unofficial martial law."
So far, there have been no reports of security forces clashing with the protesters, but the atmosphere in the cities is described as heavily securitized. Leaders of the PTI party have called on their supporters to continue peaceful protests.
Analysts are concerned that the internet shutdown and potential suppression of protests could further escalate the situation in this sensitive and strategic province of Pakistan. The federal government has not yet reacted to the internet shutdown or the protests.
Source: Social Media Reports
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