Pakistan’s caretaker Interior Ministry has announced the temporary suspension of mobile services across Pakistan…reports Asian Lite News
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday, noted that polling results can be delayed in different constituencies due to security and other reasons, as reported by Geo News.
ECP project management unit’s Director Col (retd) Saad said that all the returning officers and field officers are being monitored.
He further said that there would be no difference in the polls without the internet, adding that it would not affect the EMS as well.
“The results can be delayed in different constituencies due to security and other reasons,” he said.
“We are in contact with all telecom companies and Nepra has assured us that there will be no loadshedding tomorrow,” he said.
On the eve of general elections, at least 26 people have been killed, and several others injured after two back-to-back blasts jolted Balochistan on Wednesday.
According to the police, cited by Dawn newspaper, the first blast took place outside the election office of independent candidate Asfandyar Kakar in Pishin. However, the second blast was reported in Qila Saifullah shortly after the first attack.
After the blasts, an emergency has been imposed across hospitals in Quetta for which additional staff has also been called, the provincial health secretary told Geo News.
Internet suspended
Pakistan’s caretaker Interior Ministry has announced the temporary suspension of mobile services across Pakistan as per Dawn.
Citing the “deteriorating security situation,” the ministry emphasised the need to safeguard against potential security threats
The decision comes in the wake of recent terrorist incidents that have claimed precious lives and disrupted the security environment throughout the country Pakistan-based Dawn reported.
In a statement, the ministry said, “Recent surge in terrorist activities resulting in precious lives have stirred security environment in the country.”
Therefore, it added, “need has arisen to take measures to safeguard against” security threats.
According to Dawn, the temporary suspension of mobile services reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the prevailing security challenges and maintaining public safety.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working diligently to restore normalcy while prioritizing security measures.
The move to suspend mobile services underscores the seriousness with which the government is approaching the issue of national security.
As the country navigates through these challenging times, citizens are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces to uphold stability and peace across Pakistan.
Besides that, voting has already started in Pakistan for the national and provincial assemblies. The polling process, with more than 128 million started at 8 am (local time) and will continue till 5 pm (local time)
Pakistan’s Caretaker Interior Ministry has established a control room to monitor the overall situation in Pakistan during the general elections.
Furthermore, information sharing between law enforcement agencies and other relevant agencies is being ensured in this room.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Nawaz Sharif will be the prime ministerial candidate for the party if the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz secures a majority in the elections.
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that as per his experience from campaigning all over the country, PML-N is “not even reaching 100 seats by far.”
He further stated that it remained to be seen what the people decided.
Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and considered one of the most popular leaders in the country, is incarcerated in Adiala jail on multiple charges.
The cricketer-turned-politician has been disqualified from contesting the polls and has been sentenced to 10 years in the cypher case, 14 years in the Toshakhana case, and seven years in the ‘un-Islamic’ marriage case.
In a video message posted on his official handle, Khan urged his supporters to come out and vote in largenumbers.
In a video message on February 7, Khan said, “Elections are tomorrow. I want you to come out and bring out as many people as you know. Because you will change the fate of yourself as well as that of your children through these elections.”
PTI has rejected reports about party boycotting elections. In a post on X, PTI stated, “Let the world know that this is the level to which the illegitimate, fascist regime has stooped to! Petrified of the massive turnout tomorrow for General Elections, the controlled media is being used to run a fake news about PTI boycotting elections, along with running a fake audio!”
The party added, “The illegitimate regime has used every ounce of fascism, propaganda & unprecedented pre poll rigging against Pakistan’s largest, most popular & only federal party PTI, led by illegally incarcerated Imran Khan.
Yet, the resolve of the nation proved stronger than the oppression! The will of the people will reign supreme!” (ANI)
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