Pakistan Election day mobile and internet services are suspended
Earlier on Wednesday, PTA had said in a statement that it had not received any instructions from the government to shut down the internet. Mobile services will continue on Thursday. However, such indications had already been given by the government that mobile services could be suspended to deal with any untoward incident on the day of voting. This is what was seen on Thursday.
According to reports, the Election Commission of Pakistan says that suspension of mobile service will not affect voting. Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja says that the elections will be conducted in a fair manner. The Election Commission also said that switching off or running mobile services does not come under its jurisdiction.
Pakistan Election Commission said that their entire system does not require internet during voting, hence it will not affect the voting. The opposition is angry over the suspension of mobile services on the election day. Imran Khan’s party PTI has called it a suppression of the rights of citizens.
What is also special is that Imran Khan cast his vote from jail, while his wife could not vote. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded immediate restoration of internet and mobile services in the country.