ISLAMABAD: Though mobile phone services have been suspended across the city to hinder communication between the supporters of Mumtaz Qadri, who are staging a sit-in at D-Chowk, the only place in the federal capital where there is full cellular reception is D-Chowk.

The media coordinator of Pakistan Sunni Tehreek, Naeem Raza, was contacted by Dawn on his mobile phone on Monday night and Tuesday evening and both times he received calls and held a conversation with the reporter without any disruptions.

When asked, Mr Raza agreed that mobile phone signals were strong at D-Chowk and that protesters had no problems communicating.

“I have observed that the closer we are to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) building, the stronger cellular signals are,” he said. “We are also wondering why cellular service has been suspended in the twin cities if signals are strong in D-Chowk”, he added.

A Dawn reporter who visited D-Chowk also saw that he had full reception on his mobile phone.

A PTA official who was not authorised to speak on record said that mobile service has been suspended on directions of the ministry of interior.

“Service is suspended at D-Chowk and nearby areas and I cannot confirm when it will be resumed,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2016